The Increase in Covert Teenage Suicide Ideation and Self-injury:

Summary

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Two decades ago, there were obvious signs pointing to an individual’s suicidal ideation. Today, with the prevalence of social media, suicide and self-injury have become covert struggles, invisible to the untrained eye. In this workshop, Dr. Mark Mayfield will discuss the latest trends in suicide and self-injury in adolescents and explore the new, subtle warning signs of suicide and self-injury. Participants will also evaluate how a theology of suffering can create a more effective theology of care for Christian clients. Dr. Mayfield will also provide practical tools to re-think our crisis response.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Discuss the current trends that are leading to the increase in suicide and self-injury
2. Identify the new, subtle warning signs presented by struggling teens
3. Critique the idea of a theology of suffering so a theology of care can be properly implemented with Christian clients by licensed mental health professionals
4. Utilize practical tools that can help licensed mental health professionals re-think crisis response

Continuing Education Statement

Approved for 2.0 ASWB; LPC, LMFT, LCSW, and IBCC CE Credits

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due to good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required Continuing Education hours. For more information on Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit www.lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/.