Suicide Prevention: A Pediatrician's Guide to Building Resilience Episode 92 S3E5

In episode, pediatricians Dr. Vivian Carlin and Dr. Sylvia Bank focus on proactive suicide prevention and building mental health resilience in youth. Navigating a sobering reality—where suicide is the second leading cause of death among preteens and teens—the hosts unpack critical warning signs, the realities of universal screening in pediatric offices, and environmental risk factors like chronic stress and bullying. Moving beyond the statistics, they share practical advice for parenting with a "mental health wellness" mindset from an early age, emphasizing the power of parental acceptance, open communication, and fostering a strong sense of individual identity. Finally, they cover essential home safety measures, such as locking away firearms and safely disposing of medications, while reminding listeners of the immediate accessibility of the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Resources:

Suicide: Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention https://www.aap.org/suicideprevention

Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know/

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

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00:00 Introduction and scope of issue

05:59 Identifying Warning Signs & Environmental Risk Factors

09:08 Preventative Parenting & Building Resilience

10:10 Recognizing and Celebrating Your Child's Unique Strengths

11:25 Teaching Kids to Identify and Register Their Emotions

11:43 The Power of Parental Acceptance vs. Frustration

13:20 Strengthening Identity, Faith, and a Sense of Belonging

14:55 Starting Deeper Conversations and Open Communication Without Judgment

18:32 Means Prevention: Securing Firearms, Medications, and Substances

20:42 Utilizing the 988 Lifeline & Taking Care of Parental Mental Health