As the winter months approach, bringing with it a side of seasonal depression for many already struggling in the Santa Clarita Valley, mental health professionals and the families of teens lost to suicide in the last year are hoping to spread awareness about the signs of suicide, as well as preventative efforts for families.

One of the most helpful tools in the fight against suicide is the promotion of peer-to-peer support programs, which allow those at risk of suicide, especially teens and young adults, to speak to others who have experienced similar emotional struggles from the same perspective.

“We hear every day, teens who come to us who really feel like they’re the only ones who feel the way that they do,” said Karissa Provost, Clinical Director at Insight Treatment. “We may have all these resources and there are tons of things on the internet, but they still feel like they’re all alone. Until they start talking with others like them.”

In addition to promoting peer-to-peer health systems, when it comes to suicidal ideation, professionals always suggest that regardless of the age of the person at risk, to take them seriously and set healthy boundaries between adults and minors.

“Parents need to be empowered, trained really, in how they can actually keep their kids safe, by saying, ‘you know what, I need to see your phone,’ or ‘no, I’m going to drop you off and pick you up’ instead of allowing their kids to set the agenda,” said Frederik Schulin, CEO of Insight.

See Related: California Launches Statewide Peer-To-Peer Mental Health Line

A 17-year-old Golden Valley High School student Valerie Reyes is just one of many young lives brought to an early end by suicide. But though her story is not a unique one, it in no way diminishes the loss and heartbreak that her passing has brought upon her friends and family.

Born in Madrid, Spain, on May 22, 2004, at 5:30 a.m. Valerie was a beloved angel in the eyes of her parents.

“She was always a very polite, obedient girl, who never said a word intending to hurt anyone,’ said Frederick Freitas during her funeral in November.

Valerie had recently made a full recovery from a four-year battle with anorexia, a major victory for her mental, emotional, and physical health. She triumphed over a four-month hospital stay to finally emerge back into the world at a healthy weight

“She had her struggle, when she was little she was bullied, racially, and she internalized that,” said family friend, Luz Machado. “I was hoping that she was going to kick everything, to still get over it and get victory over the whole thing, especially when she was reaching a good weight.”

Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

“She was healthy, she was eating normally, and the depression never went away,” Machado added.

Valerie died by suicide early on the morning of Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Her family now hopes that the same light that brought such joy to their lives, can now help others who find themselves in a similar position.

“Oftentimes people think, ‘if I ask my child or ask my student if they’re thinking about ending their lives or killing themselves, that’s going to plant an idea.’ Nobody just gets an idea like that,” Provost said. “It’s really important to have that open dialogue and conversation, ‘I’m concerned about you, are you thinking about hurting yourself, do you have those thoughts?’”

Provost also encouraged parents, teachers, and other caregivers to trust their instincts. She recounted several instances of families who just asked their child if they were considering self-harm, and were able to get critical help from professionals that very same day.

“It’s important to make sure they have professional help when it’s not urgent or near death,” Provost said. “Reach out, whether it’s a place like (Insight) or a licensed psychiatrist or other professional.”

See Related: ‘Be The Difference’ Suicide Prevention Film Offers Santa Clarita Mental Health Resources

In a final piece of advice, Insight officials cautioned caretakers to not be complacent in terms of household medications available to suicidal children and teens, one of the major methods of suicide they, unfortunately, see in their professional capacity.

“Don’t let (prescriptions) lay out, lock it up, count your pills,” Schulin added. “Don’t expect that kids can’t get in, don’t expect that they don’t have access. Keep a record of it. Because you would be surprised of how many cases where the parents say, ‘I had no idea they were stealing them on a regular basis.’”

Click here, to learn more about mental health resources available at Insight Treatment.

To donate to Reyes’ family to aid in their vision to promote mental wellness, click here.

Anyone seeking information about mental health resources available in the Santa Clarita Valley can look here for a list of resources. There are 24-hour phone numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call:

• 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• 1-800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

• 1-800-784-2433 for the Treatment Advocacy Center

• 661-259-9439 for the SCV Child & Family Center

• 661-288-4800 for the Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center

• 661- 765-8445 for Insight Treatment Santa Clarita

• 800-852-8336 for the Teen Line Peer Suicide Prevention 6-10 p.m.  or text TEEN to 839863

• 1-866-488-7386 for the Trevor Project LGBTQ suicide helpline

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