Suicide Prevention for Teens and Young Adults
A conversation with Columbia psychologist Ali Mattu, PhD
The leading causes of death for young people—accidents, homicide, and suicide—are all preventable.
"We talk about car accidents, we talk about violence, but we don't really talk about suicide. And that's a problem," says Ali Mattu, PhD, assistant professor of medical psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
"Suicidal thoughts are a normal reaction to an abnormal set of circumstances," Mattu says. But the silence around suicide creates stigma and isolates people when they need help the most.
Break the silence and be the one to prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8355) provides 24/7, free, and confidential support and prevention and crisis resources for people in distress.
Curious about mental health or looking for information? Visit Columbia University’s Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for resources specific to teens and young adults.
(A version of this article first appeared on the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry website)