The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) and their Suicide Prevention Ambassadors are calling on Illinoisians to join in recognizing September’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Everyone can help prevent suicide among children and youth. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death for children older than 9 years of age. “We want to work with families and communities to decrease pediatric suicide,” said Dr. Nabil Abou Baker, MD, FAAP of University of Chicago. “Our hope is that suicide rates will one day be zero,” said Dr. Nicole Anania, DO, MS, FAAP of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  Dr. Abou Baker and Dr. Anania are ICAAP’s Suicide Prevention Ambassadors. In recognition of this month, they helped ICAAP launch a Suicide Prevention webpage which provides information and resources that highlight ways pediatric health clinicians and other adults who work with youth can make a difference. According to Dr. Abou Baker and Dr. Anania, there are several warning signs we can all be on the lookout for. Some of these warning signs include:

• A child is talking about killing oneself, feeling hopeless, feeling like a burden, or having no reason to live.

• They are having mood changes such as depression, anxiety and agitation.

• Their behavior is changing, such as increased substance use, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or not enough, giving away prized possessions, or is irritable.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org.