September 24, 2024
Suicide looms as a growing problem for youth and their families. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide can be sensitive and difficult topics to speak about openly, but studies show acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation. Help is available in many forms for those struggling with mental health. This guide has been prepared to help leaders facilitate a suicide prevention session at a troop meeting. Please read the entire document before taking any further action.
In addition to this guide, please download the ten-minute video found at this link. VIEW HERE
Before conducting the session, we recommend the following.
- Discuss with the troop committee the plan to facilitate this session at a troop meeting. Decide with the troop committee if parents will be encouraged to attend the troop meeting with their Scout. Attendance by any Scout is optional and is not tied in any way to advancement.
- Alert all parents or guardians when the session will occur so they may decide whether their Scout will participate. The content has been professionally assessed as appropriate for Scouts thirteen years of age and older; however, for Scouts BSA youth younger than thirteen, parents or guardians should review the materials in advance to decide if their Scout should participate.
- If you are not comfortable conducting the session, consider contacting a local community expert to help, like a child psychologist, your local health department, a school social worker, or another mental health professional.
- Regardless of whether you or someone else conducts the session, let all Scouts know in advance that the troop will be talking about depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide and it’s their choice whether they want to attend. Let them know ahead of time they don’t have to share anything they’re not comfortable with sharing.
- Whoever is delivering the session should watch the video and read this guide thoroughly beforehand to become comfortable with the material. Seek additional guidance from a professional if you have questions.
- Deliver the session. Encourage questions and open discussion. If Scouts have questions but you’re unsure how to answer them, tell them you don’t know, but will find out! In the event a Scout shares suicidal thoughts, be prepared to act. When unsure what to do next, make sure the Scout is safely being supervised by adults and contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for guidance. Remember to also contact your local Scout executive as soon as safe to do so.
Additional Resources:
https://988lifeline.org/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Their website also contains educational materials.
https://www.nami.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness is an organization that raises awareness, provides support and education on mental illness.
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. They provide courses for youth and adults.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KmVZwfhbcA Troop Talk Live episode on facilitating a suicide prevention session.
Yours in Scouting,
Glen Pounder
SVP & Chief Safeguarding Officer
