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Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversation about vulnerable children, self-harm, and suicide ideation.
What do you do as a parent who suspects their child may be thinking about self-harm? In this powerful and practical episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, host Dr. Sarah Adams tackles one of the hardest but most life-saving conversations a family can have.
This episode focuses on Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), a free, evidence-based approach that teaches families and professionals how to reduce access to the tools most commonly used in suicide attempts, such as firearms and dangerous medications. Research shows that limiting access to lethal means can literally save lives, while still respecting a child or teen’s rights and autonomy.
Dr. Sarah is joined by Sherry Blair, Youth Suicide Prevention Supervisor, and Dr. Georgette Constantinou, Pediatric Psychologist, who lead this crucial work through CALM. Together, they offer clear guidance for parents and caregivers on how to intervene when a child may be at risk, how to collaborate on safe storage, and how to ask the tough questions that many adults fear but that can save a child’s life.
This episode equips listeners with practical tools, language, and reassurance. Lethal means counseling matters, and asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be an act of love that keeps a child safe.
At its core, this episode reinforces a simple but profound message parents can share with their children: I love you, and your safety is my number one concern.
#mentalhealth #suicideprevention #selfharm #firearmsafety
Relevant links
- CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) https://www.calmamerica.org/
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) afsp.org/get-help/
- Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) sptsusa.org
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center: SPRC_Talking_About_LethaL_Means_Resources.pdf
- Akron Children’s page : Suicide Prevention https://www.akronchildrens.org/pages/Suicide-Prevention.html
- Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) www.apa.org/depression-guideline/patient-health-questionnaire.pdf
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Email to: growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com
ABOUT Dr. Sarah:
Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.
The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!
Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com
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This podcast is produced by:
GTS Media, LLC
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