Did you know that 20 young people take their own lives every single day in the United States?

Catherine recently sat down with one such teen for a two-part series on suicide. Emma Benoit had a picture-perfect life. She was a vibrant, beautiful 16-year-old varsity cheerleader whose secret battle with anxiety led her to take a gun, point it at her chest, and pull the trigger. Only 1% of people with self-inflicted gunshot wounds survive. Emma is in that 1%. She is an absolute miracle and an inspiration.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a 2019 study revealed that 8.9% of youth in grades 9-12 reported that they had made at least one suicide attempt in the past twelve months. There has been a 33% increase in suicides since 1999. Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death in young people.

Joining Catherine and Emma for this vital conversation is Jennifer Ellers, a Christian counselor, crisis responder, and trainer. Jennifer has authored a course on youth suicide and is an instructor of the American Association of Christian Counselor’s Hope-Focused 3-R Suicide Program.

In this episode (part one), Jennifer shares the signs we should look for in younger children (under the age of twelve) who are contemplating suicide as Emma share’s her journey leading up to the day that she attempted to end her life.

Next week’s episode (part two) will focus on the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of suicide, the signs we should look for in older children, specific steps we can take to prevent suicide, and Emma’s recovery.

Look for Catherine’s upcoming article on youth suicide to learn all the signs parents should look for in their children and recommendations on how to prevent suicide in your family.

SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE:

Simply call or text 988. This 3-digit code, launched in July of 2022, will connect you to the national suicide hotline.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

“My Ascension” the documentary: www.myascension.us
Emma Benoit/My Ascension Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/myascension

American Association of Christian Counselors: https://aacc.net/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Study: https://bit.ly/3uoWLqz

Kevin Hine’s story: https://bit.ly/3XOpfr8

Kevine Hines’ website: https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/

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