Arizona Teen Suicide Rates are Moving in the Wrong Direction

By Sherry Eklund, Founder, I am Teen Strong

Teen suicide rates in Arizona increased by 16% last year! We are moving in the wrong direction, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s use this moment as a call to action, helping teens build a solid foundation of health and well-being, equipping them with the skills and support necessary to face life’s challenges.

Mental, emotional, physical, and social health are deeply interconnected in teenagers, meaning that issues in one area can significantly impact the others. A strong foundation in one aspect can positively influence others, and vice versa. Positive social connections often lead to better mental health, while good physical health can improve emotional well-being and social interactions; therefore, we need to concentrate on areas that directly contribute to mental and emotional resilience.

By encouraging youth to build self-confidence, develop self-care practices, and create meaningful social connections, we can foster a stronger sense of self-worth and support for teens, helping them navigate adversity with greater strength and stability.

Confidence is a skill that can be learned

Adolescents often struggle with confidence due to a combination of factors including physical changes during puberty, intense peer pressure, academic stress, social media comparisons, and family dynamics (including financial), leading to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt if they don’t feel they measure up.

Support their interests and strengths. Encourage youth to make a list of what they like to do and their strengths, use the list to create positive affirmations. Taking pride in their abilities, creating positive goals, learning and growing from areas that may not be their strengths, turning challenges into solutions, and celebrating progress not just results are powerful.

If a poor body image is sinking their confidence, encourage a shift in their mindset from physical appearance to body functionality (what their body allows them to do each day, such as run, eat, laugh).

Provide unconditional love by offering guidance without judgment and creating a safe space for them to express themselves.

Teens often face internal struggles with negative self-talk. Teaching teens how to reframe negative thoughts and focus on their positive attributes is an essential part of building self-confidence. Simple practices, like journaling about accomplishments or practicing positive affirmations, can help teens shift their mindset from self-criticism to self-compassion.

Creating a Self-Care Plan

Creating a routine of self-care can have a tremendous impact on every aspect of one’s health. Self-care is known to improve mood, productivity, energy level, and concentration, increase happiness, and even build resiliency skills in teens. Mindfulness and meditation as part of a self-care plan can help teens manage stress and reduce anxiety and depression.

It’s never too early to start a child/teen self-care routine. Starting at a young age makes it easier to teach children healthy habits that will develop into regular routines they won’t want to skip as they grow older. Promoting good physical health, healthy boundaries, limited screen time, goal setting, and taking the time to create art— painting, photography, singing, cooking, etc.) are great techniques to role model self-care with intention.

A healthy diet and exercise should be part of any self-care plan. Engaging in activities such as yoga, deep breathing, walking, and exercise in general can provide a sense of calm and grounding, helping teens manage their emotions.

Creating a habit of journaling is not only helpful for teens to shift their mindset from self-criticism to self-compassion, (as mentioned under Building Self-Confidence) but it is also an effective way to help teens reflect on their emotions and process tough situations and difficult experiences.

Creative expression (art, dance, poetry, photography, cooking, etc.) is a wonderful outlet for communicating thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Creating a self-care checklist (a list of activities to remind oneself to practice a self-care routine) can be a powerful tool in developing the actual habit of self-care.

Forming Quality Social Connections

Adolescence is a vital time for identity development, where teens explore different aspects of themselves and try to figure out who they are separate from their parents and family. They crave a sense of belonging and being accepted.

Social connections are key to our mental and physical health, but it is the quality of these connections that is important. Do they feel respected, listened to, and valued? Can they be themselves without being judged (live authentically), have emotional support, and feel joy with their friends? Helping teens understand the characteristics of good, solid connections and friendships will take them a long way in building trust and support.

Encouraging teens to form friendships with others who share similar interests and values can foster a sense of belonging and create an emotional support network. Healthy friendships are characterized by mutual respect, trust, and understanding, which can provide a solid foundation for teens to lean on during difficult times. It’s just as important to teach teens how to navigate and maintain these friendships. Conflict resolution, communication skills, and setting healthy boundaries are key components of sustaining positive relationships. Helping teens understand the importance of empathy, active listening, and kindness can strengthen their social bonds and reduce feelings of isolation.

Encouraging participation in group activities in school or community events can help expand their social circles (e.g., theater club, music, sports, volunteer opportunities).

Understanding the value of aligning their core personal values, such as honesty, kindness, creativity, generosity, courage, and loyalty, with their friends will open the doors to living authentically, creating a sense of value and capability within their social contacts.

Accepting the Call to Action

By helping teens build self-confidence, establish self-care practices, and create strong social connections, we are equipping them with the tools they need to manage life’s challenges positively and constructively.

By taking a holistic approach to adolescent health, we can create a supportive environment where teens feel safe, heard, and valued. Promoting overall positive health and development…and a healthier future.

Sherry Eklund is the Founder/Executive Director, I am Teen Strong, a local nonprofit supporting the health & wellness of teen girls. https://www.iamteenstrong.org