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September is Suicide Prevention Month, and 2021 is a particularly significant milestone. After the psychological stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, Suicide Prevention Month 2021 is an opportunity to save lives. At Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), our clinical staff implements the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) Saving Lives Project. With an emphasis on suicide prevention, SAVING LIVES places TTC at the heart of suicide prevention efforts.

Moreover, beyond the SAMHSA Saving Lives Project, crucial research findings published in 2021 reveal key insights for Suicide Prevention Month 2021. Recent studies correlate a link between childhood trauma and higher suicide risk in adults. Indeed, childhood trauma often leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the psyche of an abused person. Like a sleeping dragon, once awoken, the PTSD symptomology brought on by childhood trauma often proves to be deadly. Hence, higher suicide risk in adults with PTSD is common.

Childhood Abuse and Suicide Prevention Month 2021

According to a study reported on in Frontiers in Psychiatry (March 29, 2021), the prevention of childhood abuse and child maltreatment can help prevent suicide. The current challenge is that during the COVID-19 pandemic, risk factors for child abuse and child maltreatment were and continue to be elevated. To be specific, child maltreatment is physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect by a parent or caregiver that results in actual or potential harm to the child.

Recent research proves that experiencing early abuse is linked to poor physical and behavioral health outcomes throughout life. Indeed, such abuse leads directly to increased suicide risk in childhood and adolescence as well as adulthood. In the latest study in South Korea, “Childhood trauma was measured using the short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The CTQ yields scores for childhood physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, as well as a total score.”

The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire is like the ACES Aware tool that screens for adverse childhood events. Initiated by the Office of the California Surgeon General and the California Department of Health Care Services, ACES Aware is now a key part of the clinical program at Tarzana Treatment Centers. With the goal of addressing past trauma, preventing future childhood mistreatment, and reducing suicidality, this screening tool is now essential. Thus, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, TTC underlines these screenings as a critical function of youth and family treatment services at our facilities.

Suicide Prevention Month and Protecting Children from Trauma

For the Federal government, protecting children is a goal of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Therefore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides guides to the ongoing prevention efforts of child maltreatment. Like TTC’s youth and family services program, the goal is to promote the healthy development of children and families.

Given the compelling evidence that links childhood trauma and increased suicide risk, prevention efforts are essential. Clinical providers need to focus on the prevention of such abuse and neglect. Indeed, there needs to be a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. Finally, the home needs to be a place of safety. Thus, home is where children find refuge from the pressures and worries of a post-pandemic world. Beyond such fears, a spiritual solution within the family structure often helps to prevent such abuse. During Suicide Prevention Month 2021, underscoring the connection between spirituality and Suicide. Spiritual practice results in a reduced risk of both childhood trauma and suicidality.

In the concluding remarks of the South Korean study, the authors clearly state, “Clinicians need to be aware of the types of childhood maltreatment and the broad range of household dysfunction they may encounter. An awareness of the relationship between specific types of childhood abuse and suicide attempts may benefit interventions for people with depression. In particular, early prevention efforts aimed at children who have experienced sexual and emotional abuse may reduce their risks for the development of suicide… In conclusion, an assessment and strategic interventions to decrease depression and support spirituality might be significant for suicide prevention.”

Tarzana Treatment Centers Spotlights Safety During Suicide Prevention Month

During Suicide Prevention Month 2021, TTC spotlights the importance of safety for both children and adults. Without questions, preventions efforts and raising awareness make a difference. If you or someone you love is suicidal, please do not hesitate. Indeed, reach out for help before it is too late.

The number for the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255. In addition, the clinical staff at Tarzana Treatment Centers is present and ready to help.