Suicide in Teens: Know the Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and Have a Prevention Plan

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members promote suicide prevention awareness. In the CoVid-19 environment, social isolation, anxiety, fear of illness, uncertainty, chronic stress, and economic problems may lead to an increase in suicidality in certain populations. Public health experts agree that adolescents are one such vulnerable population.

Suicide rates among teens have been steadily increasing in recent years, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019). Every day, approximately 12 teens die by suicide. For every one death that occurs, 25 more suicide attempts are made.

Continue reading

How and Why to Cut Back on Alcohol Intake

Many people report an increase in alcohol intake when they are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. According to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guideline, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.  You can find out more about what defines a standard drink here. Health providers recommend that if you find yourself consuming more than this guideline, you should consider reevaluating. Because alcohol consumption can become a habit that is sometimes hard to break, we provide a few recommendations here on how and why to cut back.

Continue reading