My Child is Suicidal, and I Don't Know How to Help, Part 2
An alarming increase in suicidal thoughts and death by suicide among America’s youth over the last years indicates an enormous need to act now. In this webinar presented by the Center for Resilient Families at Arizona State University & Mental Health America, we will explore personal experiences faced by
- Parents who learn that their child is struggling with suicidal thoughts;
- Teachers who support youth struggling with suicidal thoughts in school;
- And providers who help youth and families negotiate recovery from suicidal ideation.
This webinar is the second webinar of MHA’s “I Don’t Know How” series. View part one.
Funding for this series is provided by SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Meet the Speakers
Shannon CrossBear, Parent Advocate
Shannon CrossBear articulates her purpose as: To demonstrate and promote gentle healing. Her own community and family history propelled her to develop leadership in order to address disparities that have led to poor outcomes for friends and relatives. Shannon’s work has included facilitating and consulting with the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Georgetown University, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the University of Montana’s National Native Child Trauma Center. Ms CrossBear is skilled in trauma informed community engagement. She has worked with supporting organized stakeholder voice and representation at local and national levels through various behavioral health initiatives.
Lanee Higgins, Parent Advocate/Expert
Lanee Higgins is a Mental Health Writer for Mental Health America National. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hood College and holds a current highly-qualified Maryland educator certification. Previously, Ms. Higgins was a middle and high school English Language Arts and AVID educator in Baltimore County and District of Columbia Public Schools. Her advocacy and passion have led to changes on a classroom, school-wide, and district level, and to quote a former principal, “helped inspire hundreds of students to find their voices.” Her writing has been featured in Blavity, The Educator’s Room, and several other digital platforms. Ms. Higgins is a passionate mental health advocate who believes that meaningful storytelling has the power to change lives.
Dr. Steve Cozza, Expert
Stephen J. Cozza, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University where he serves as Associate Director, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) and is responsible for the Child and Family Program. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He received his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2006 after 25 years of military service. Dr. Cozza’s professional interests have been in the areas of clinical and community response to trauma in both military and civilian communities, including the impact of deployment and combat injury, illness and death on military service members, their families and their children.