In the United States, roughly 135 people die by suicide every day. And for every life lost, countless others are left in the wake, making the magnitude of grief and loss at the hands of this tragedy astronomical.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. To honor it, we’re exploring the topic of suicide because education saves lives. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how to support suicide survivors.

Listen to the TED Talk below, where psychologist Erica Lennon brings attention to suicide and shares her experience of losing a client to it.

The truth is, nearly all of us have been affected by suicide. It’s a common tragedy that we don’t often speak openly about.

Intimate survivors are often riddled with guilt and complex feelings of grief, which makes navigating support all the more difficult for people closely involved.

What Sets Suicide Grief Apart from Other Losses

In addition to typical feelings associated with grief and loss, survivors of suicide often grapple with the following:

Stigma & Isolation

Talking about suicide can be challenging for survivors because of differing cultural and religious viewpoints, leading to conflicting emotions and difficulties navigating conversations on the topic.

Mixed Emotions

When death is by suicide, people often mourn the loss and hold intense feelings surrounding the circumstances of the death. Emotions such as anger and feelings of abandonment and rejection can all occur after a suicide, alongside positive feelings about the deceased. Sorting through all of these various emotions can make the healing process more challenging.

Needing to Understand Why

Searching to understand the circumstances of losing someone to suicide can lead to the question of “Why?” As a result, people may second-guess actions, hold feelings of guilt, and wonder if they missed signs or could have done something different to prevent the tragedy.

Loss by suicide increases the risk for suicide among survivors.

5 Ways to Support Someone After a Suicide Loss

Below are five ways you can support someone who’s experienced loss by suicide.

Promote Self-Care

Healing takes time and starts with self-care. Encourage those grieving to engage in activities that promote wellness.

Offer Resources

Be prepared to provide resources such as local support groups, mental health professionals, and self-help options.

Engage in Conversation

Often, people are uncomfortable broaching the topic of grief because they don’t want to remind survivors of their loss. Believe us when we say they didn’t forget—offer a non-judgmental listening ear and validate feelings.

Help Them Speak Out About Suicide

If they’re comfortable with it, speaking out about suicide, sharing their story, and spreading awareness can promote healing.

Encourage Professional Support

Survivors are at significant risk for mental health conditions and suicide. Encouraging professional support can mitigate this and help them navigate loss.

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Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and meaningful moments. To support you along the way, we’ve gathered eighteen powerful quotes on purposeful parenting—designed to guide, inspire, and encourage you no matter where you are on the path.

Purposeful Parenting Quotes

Quote 1: Children don’t say, “I had a hard day, can we talk?” They say, “Will you play with me?” – Lawrence Cohen

Quote 2: Too often, we forget that discipline really means to teach, not to punish. A disciple is a student, not a recipient of behavioral consequences. – Daniel J. Siegel

Quote 3: If you want your child to improve, focus on their strengths more than their weaknesses. – Unknown

Quote 4: Every child’s behavior is telling us something. Our job is to see the behavior as information, not aggravation. – Unknown

Quote 5: If your children fear you, they cannot trust you. If they do not trust you, they cannot learn from you. – Lori Petro

Quote 6: Children behave best when they feel most loved. Shame isn’t a strategy to encourage good behavior; it leads to compliance and then to rebellion. – Sarah Boyd

Quote 7: A parent’s voice becomes a child’s self-talk. Let’s wire our kids for self-compassion, not self-criticism. – Unknown

Quote 8: Respond to your children with love in their worst moments, their broken moments, their angry moments, their selfish moments, their lonely moments, their frustrated moments, their inconvenient moments. Because it is in their most unlovable human moments that they most need to feel loved. – L.R. Knost

Quote 9: Our kids are counting on us to provide two things: consistency and structure. Kids need parents who say what they mean, mean what they say, and do what they say they are going to do. – Barbara Coloroso

Quote 10: Parents who pay attention can avoid power struggles, even with strong-willed kids, by empathizing as they set limits, give choices, and understand that respect goes both ways. – Dr. Laura Markham

Quote 11: “No” is not a complete thought. If we want our children to learn to think like adults, we need to explain our adult thinking. Don’t command. Communicate. – L.R. Knost

Quote 12: We teach our kids how honest they can be with us based on how we react when they tell us things we don’t want to hear. – Susan Stiffleman

Quote 13: If we want to stop our child’s aggression, we have to stop focusing on the behavior and respond to their feelings. – Sarah Rosensweet

Quote 14: Hitting a child doesn’t teach them that the stove or the road or the outlet isn’t safe. It teaches them that the person hitting them isn’t safe. – L.R. Knost

Quote 15: When a child is upset, logic often won’t work until we have responded to the right brain’s emotional needs. – Dr. Dan Siegel

Quote 16: Our children need to know that mistakes are okay, imperfections are normal, and failure is just a step on the path to success. – L.R. Knost

Quote 17: It’s not our job to make our kids happy. They’re allowed to be upset, sad, and feel however they feel. It’s our job to hold space for all their feelings so they don’t feel alone in their distress. – Blimie Heller

Quote 18: Being harder on our children doesn’t make them stronger. People are strengthened through compassion and understanding. No matter their age or gender. – Lelia Schott

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Have you ever witnessed the storm—the choppy waters of a child’s big emotions? Of course! Like us, our little ones are human—experiencing the full spectrum of emotions. But unlike us, their brains are still developing the skills to navigate and cope.

In moments when kids are experiencing immense, turbulent feelings, they look to us for safety. To be the calm gently guiding them through their storm—the anchor in their waves.

Children learn emotional regulation through our regulated presence. Simply put, we learn to self-soothe through thousands of instances of being soothed by someone else.

Below are seventeen quotes on emotional regulation—on being the calm in our kids’ storm.

Quotes on Being the Calm in Our Kids’ Storm

Quote 1: A child can’t think logically when they are anxious, and they definitely can’t learn. Helping them calm has to be the priority. – Inspired by Krysten Taprell, @the_therapist_parent

When kids become flooded with emotion, logical thinking takes a backseat. Our primary focus must be to soothe—sharing our calm.

Hold space and validate feelings. Then, once strong emotions such as anxiety have subsided, we can effectively teach.

Quote 2: When kids’ emotions are high, their logic and language are low. So, in a meltdown, don’t reason with them. Connect. Hold space. Be. – Stephanie Pinto

When children are experiencing big emotions, it’s not the time for reasoning or a lecture. Attend to their feelings first. Then, after they have calmed, you can effectively coach them.

Quote 3: We go into the fear zone when a child is dysregulated, self-harms, or makes threats. When afraid, we back-peddle and give kids more choices and power. But in these moments, kids need the opposite. They need to feel safe, secure, and contained. – Inspired by Krissy Pozatek

When dysregulated, kids need safety, security, and boundaries that provide comfort. Be their safe haven—the anchor in their storm.

Quote 4: As a mom, I could feed my child’s anxiety, or I could feed their peace. We set the temperature for our kids. – Beth Moore

We hold the power to shape our children’s emotional well-being. Remember—we set the tone. Feed their peace.

Quote 5: Your child can’t lead you into their chaos. You must lead them out of theirs. – @dr.siggie

Our children need us to be a calm, steady force—especially during times when they are experiencing turbulent emotions.

Quote 6: When I’m not sure how to support my child, I focus on my own regulation. – @responsive_parenting

When you don’t know how to best support your kids, try turning inward.

By noticing, understanding, and regulating our emotions, we can better provide the calm and stability our children need—approaching parenting with a more centered, grounded perspective.

Quote 7: My job as a parent isn’t to control my child’s emotions. My job as a parent is to control my own. – Shelly Robinson

We can’t control our children’s feelings, but we can teach them how to navigate them by how we navigate our own. And in doing so, we can better provide a safe, supportive environment for them to grow.

Quote 8: Children pick up on our emotional tone milliseconds before processing our words. And that emotional tone conveys cues of safety or threat, regardless of what we’re trying to communicate. – Adopted from Dr. Dan Siegel

Our kids are always listening, not just to our words but to the emotions behind them. Create a safe, nurturing environment—one where children feel loved and protected.

Quote 9: If you want to support your child’s emotional health, you need to take care of your own emotions. Your tone, energy, and overall emotional presence serve as your child’s emotional guidepost. – Inspired by Angela Pruess

Our wellness shapes our children’s wellness. Caring for ourselves is an act of love—for both us and our little ones.

Quote 10: Our responses influence our children’s behavior. A slight shift in our communication from defensive to proactive can make all the difference in shaping their stress response. – Lori Petro

Parenting isn’t just about our kid’s behavior; it’s also about our own. The energy we put out can either fuel their fire or calm their storm. Emotions feed off emotions.

Quote 11: Our confidence has the power to weaken the fear that our children experience. – @parenting_pathfinders

Our confidence is a mighty force—weakening the grip of fear our kid’s experience. When we embody self-assurance, we impart a sense of safety and security.

Quote 12: The goal is NOT to never get triggered. You’re human. You will get triggered sometimes. The goal is to learn to regulate and respond to those triggers with intention. – @the.peaceful.mother

A trigger is anything that sets you off emotionally and activates memories of trauma. It’s particular to you and what your experiences have been.

Triggers may include feeling:

• Powerless
• Judged
• Unheard
• Unsafe
• Disrespected
• Unloved
• Controlled

Our ability to navigate triggers and the emotions springing from them is tied to our ability to understand feelings, where they come from, and tolerate the sensations that arise when we experience them.

When we create space for ourselves to do this, we’re better able to create space for our kids.

Quote 13: Teaching a child to shut down their emotions does not make them calm. It makes them numb. Calmness is a skill that develops after a child has learned to feel their emotions, not ignore them. – Inspired by Eli Harwood

Calmness is not achieved by shutting down our feelings but by learning to navigate and regulate the storm within.

Quote 14: Peaceful parenting isn’t about your ability to stop feeling what you feel. It’s about separating your feelings from your actions. Letting the feelings come. Acknowledging them. Letting them go. Then, responding with intention. – @loveandletgrow

Feel the feeling but don’t become the emotion.

Quote 15: We don’t need to get rid of anxiety. What we need is to practice noticing the sensations in the body, naming the feelings under the anxiety, and nurturing our capacity to still do brave, challenging things even when we feel anxious. – Inspired by Lelia Scott

Instead of trying to rid ourselves of big feelings like anxiety, let’s shift our focus toward developing the skills to navigate them gracefully.

One skill for navigating emotions, particularly anxiousness, is mindfulness—becoming aware of the sensations in our body. By tuning in, we can identify the feelings beneath the surface—acknowledging and naming them without judgment.

Foster self-compassion, and remember, it’s not about eradicating our emotions but developing skills to coexist with them.

Quote 16: Mindfulness means bringing your focus to the present and accepting your thoughts and feelings for what they are without judging them, trying to change them, or expecting them to be different. – Inspired by Renee Jain

To be mindful is to bring your focus to the present moment—accepting your thoughts and feelings for what they are without judgment or trying to change them.

In a world that often pulls us in different directions, mindfulness offers a sanctuary of peace and acceptance, inviting us to notice the beauty in the simplest moments and cultivate deeper self-awareness.

By taking a moment to:

🧘‍♀️ Pause
🧘‍♀️ Breathe
🧘‍♀️ Embrace the present

We can better anchor ourselves during waves of emotion, support our kids during their storms, and live with clarity, authenticity, and gratitude.

Quote 17: Practicing how to anchor ourselves as our children navigate the ocean of emotions will help them grow to anchor themselves more naturally. – Inspired by Lelia Scott

When we practice grounding ourselves alongside our children’s turbulent emotions, we teach them the art of anchoring themselves. Through our self-awareness and regulation, we create safety—modeling inner stability and guiding toward emotional resilience.

Want More?

Check out the rest of our blog and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at YBGR and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.

Did you know that every year, nearly 800,000 people die by suicide? That’s roughly one death every 40 seconds. It’s a startling number, and sadly, 90% of those lost will wrestle with mental health conditions.

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month, and we’re on a mission to spread knowledge to save lives. Today, we’re exploring suicide warning signs and equipping you with the tools to help.

To start that journey, take a second to watch this brief video released shortly after actor Robin Williams’s death.

Robin fit the criteria for many suicide risk factors, including depression, bipolar disorder, a chronic health condition, and a history of substance abuse.

Warning Signs That Someone May Attempt Suicide

You can’t always see how people are feeling on the inside, which can make it hard to identify when someone is struggling. However, there are often outward suicide warning signs when people are grappling with thoughts of suicide.

Talking about:

• Wanting to die
• Great guilt or shame
• Being a burden to others

Feeling:

• Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain

Changing behavior, such as:

• Making a plan or researching ways to die
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
• Taking dangerous risks, such as driving extremely fast
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Eating or sleeping more or less
• Using drugs or alcohol more often

What to Do if You Think Someone May Be Considering Suicide

If you suspect that someone may be considering suicide, talk to them about your concerns. Begin the conversation by asking questions in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way.

Talk openly and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Be prepared with resources to help, and don’t hesitate to assist them in utilizing the tools you’ve provided.

In Cases of Imminent Danger

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), if you notice someone doing any of the following, they should get care immediately:

• Putting their affairs in order or giving away their possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Having a mood shift from despair to calm
• Planning, looking to buy, steal, or borrow the tools to complete suicide, such as a firearm or medication

Check out the graphic below for information on what to do in case of an emergency.

If someone has an immediate plan for suicide and means to exercise it, they need to go to the ER and be evaluated by a mental health professional for a higher level of care. And until that happens, they mustn’t be left alone.

Are You or Your Child Struggling?

You don’t need to bear the heavy weight of sadness without support. It might feel like you’re alone, but there are people out there who care about you and want to help. Call a friend or family member, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.

If you have a child who is struggling, know that we’re here to help. We provide mental health support to kids and families across Montana. To learn more, contact us here.

Want More Resources?

If you found this article helpful, check out the rest of our blog today and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and YBGR.

A 2020 survey by the CDC found that 1 in 4 young adults has considered suicide. More than half of us have been touched by it in some way. Globally, suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we’re exploring suicide risk factors.

Below is Alexandra Valoras’ story, told in her family’s words. Alexandra was a straight-A student, class officer, and robotics whiz. Her death is a heartbreaking reminder that even those who seem to be thriving can be at risk.

Understanding suicide risk factors helps us see what isn’t always visible on the surface.

Risk Factors

Research shows there isn’t one single cause of suicide—it’s often the result of multiple risk factors coming together.

Prior suicide attempts

For every death by suicide, there are an estimated 25 attempts.

Mental health conditions

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 90% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition.

• Depression: Up to 60% of those who die by suicide experience clinical depression.
• Bipolar disorder: 1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder will die by suicide.
• Schizophrenia: Up to 13% of people with schizophrenia die by suicide.

Lack of access to mental health care

Without treatment, the risk of suicide rises significantly.

Substance misuse

Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment and increase impulsivity.

Prolonged stress

Harassment, bullying, relationship struggles, or unemployment elevate risk.

Significant life events

Divorce, financial crisis, grief, or major transitions (such as retirement) can heighten vulnerability.

Social isolation

Loneliness has been shown to increase risk for depression, anxiety, and premature death—rivaling the risks of smoking, obesity, and inactivity.

Chronic or terminal illness

Roughly 10% of suicides are linked to serious health conditions.

Access to lethal means

85% of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal, compared to 4% using other methods. Safe firearm storage is a key protective measure for youth.

Recent loss by suicide

Losing a friend or loved one to suicide can increase personal risk.

Protective Factors

Protective factors are personal or environmental characteristics that reduce risk and help people cope with life’s challenges.

Below are several protective factors that can mitigate risk of suicide.

• Access to effective behavioral health care
• Strong connections with family, friends, and community
• Life skills such as problem-solving, coping, and ability to adapt to change
• Self-esteem and a sense of meaning or purpose in life
• Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide

What to Do if Someone Is Struggling

If you’re concerned about someone, don’t be afraid to ask directly about suicide. You won’t “put the idea” in their head—many people feel relief when someone cares enough to ask.

If someone shares that they’re considering suicide:

• Stay with them if they have immediate plans and means.
• Take them to the emergency room to be evaluated by a mental health professional.
• Call 911 if they’re in immediate danger.

Learn More: How to Talk to Someone About Suicide

If Your Child Is Struggling

Help is here. We provide mental health support for youth and families across Montana. Contact us here to get help for your child.

Learn More: 9 Warning Signs of Teen Suicide Parents Need to Know

If You’re Struggling

You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, and don’t hesitate to call 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Support is just a call away.

Want to Learn More?

If you found this article helpful, check out the rest of our blog today and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and YBGR.