The mental health crisis of youth and children is staggering. This presentation analyzes patterns and timing of precipitating events in 10,000 youth suicide deaths, focusing on key events and relationships that preceded these tragedies. Through comprehensive data analysis, critical risk factors are identified, such as academic pressure, social media influences, relationship disruptions, family conflicts, and acute personal crises. In this workshop licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders will evaluate the role of social disconnection as a primary risk factor, particularly by examining patterns of relationship disruption in the studied cases. Participants will recognize the importance of intervention windows to improve risk assessment strategies, and how adopting an evidence-based, connection-oriented interventions are proposed to strengthen protective factors. Additionally, participants will compare strategies provided to clinicians, educators, and families with practical tools to identify and respond to acute risk factors. By systematically analyzing these cases, insights are offered into critical intervention points, ultimately promoting stronger, protective relationships among vulnerable youth to reduce suicide risk.
604 | Connection as Medicine: Understanding and Preventing Youth Suicide
PRESENTERS
Shari Grady, Ph.D.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, IBCC, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, AOA Category 2A Credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP , Education CEUs for ACSI
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Evaluate patterns and timing of precipitating events in youth suicide deaths, identifying key risk factors such as academic pressure, social media influences, and relationship disruptions.
2 Identify the role of social disconnection as a primary risk factor, with a focus on understanding the impact of relationship disruptions on youth suicide risk
3 Examine evidence-based, connection-oriented interventions designed to strengthen protective factors, and develop strategies for clinicians, educators, and families to identify and respond to acute risk factors effectively.