Suicide Prevention — What Can We Do?

Thrive • September 10, 2021

A Q&A With Thrive’s Clinical Director, Kerstin Trachok, LCPC

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2019, 47,500 Americans lost their lives to suicide, which comes out to about 130 lives lost to suicide per day. Also in 2019, 1.4 million Americans attempted suicide.

Through knowledge, treatment, and support, we believe suicide is entirely preventable. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Thrive Reno’s Clinical Director, Kerstin Trachok, LCPC, offers clinical insight to help shine a light on suicide prevention.

What signs and symptoms of suicide should individuals be aware of?

Signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation can vary slightly from person to person, but there are certain warning signs of which to be aware.

These signs include:

Increased depression or low mood, or even sudden changes in mood
Low energy or sudden change in energy
Isolation from family and/or friends
Loss of interest in activities, school, sports, or other things the individual may have previously been interested in
Change in sleeping patterns: either sleeping more often or struggling to get enough sleep
Changes in appetite: eating more or less than usual
Increased feelings of hopelessness
Saying things such as, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” Or, “I just want to go to sleep and not wake up.”

Another sign that often gets overlooked is a sudden improvement in mood in an individual who has been chronically depressed or suicidal. This does not necessarily indicate that the individual has become less suicidal, but possibly that they have finally decided to commit to a plan of completing suicide.

Additionally, if an individual is getting their finances in order, contacting family members or friends they normally would not reach out to, packing or giving away their belongings, it could signify that they have decided to complete suicide.

Is there a stigma surrounding suicide? How does this stigma hurt suicide prevention efforts?

Unfortunately, there is a societal belief that if we talk about suicide, it will encourage people to complete suicide. This is untrue, and in fact the opposite is true. If an individual is struggling and considering ending their life, not talking about it can lead to even more difficult emotions and isolation. Whereas, if the individual has a safe space to express their feelings, actions can be taken to get them the help they need.

Are there any other challenges involved in suicide prevention?

One major challenge is that people are afraid to ask the direct question of, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It is important to be able to ask these hard questions because if the individual who is struggling senses hesitation, they, in turn, may be reluctant to express their feelings and continue struggling internally instead.

What does suicide prevention consist of?

The most important part of suicide prevention is education. SafeTALK and ASIST are free training resources available to everyone that teach what signs to look for and how to address concerns related to suicide.

Changes on a societal level are also important to suicide prevention. The first line of contact for a suicidal individual is often to call 911. Due to the high traffic and severity of calls, the threat of suicide may sadly be deemed as less of an emergency than other calls. In Nevada and many other states, there are local agencies such as the Mobile Crisis Response Team and the Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST) that attend to calls relating to suicide and provide in-the-moment mental health care and response. Unfortunately, these programs are not as widely known, so people do not know they exist. As such, more education about the available resources on a local and national level is necessary.

On the clinical level, all mental health providers are required to complete suicide training each year to fulfill continuing education units to renew their licensure, but sometimes clinicians lack resources, support, time, and/or funding to provide the intensive care that individuals struggling with suicide require. Therefore, there are often “hand-offs” of a client from one source to a different source that decreases the efficacy of their treatment. To combat this, more long-term recovery support is needed. While some programs are being developed to improve care, barriers are continually met and they differ from agency to agency.

What can lay people do to prevent loved ones from committing suicide?

People can’t let the fear of talking about suicide keep them from doing so. Additionally, individuals should reach out to seek help from teachers, medical providers, and therapists regarding suicide prevention resources. You do not have to know how to treat suicide nor are you expected to, but being someone who is willing to listen and talk to someone can make all the difference in the world.

It is also very important to normalize the experience of having suicidal thoughts as most people have experienced them at some point in their lives. Whether there was intention of acting on those thoughts or the thoughts were fleeting during a difficult time, we all have had thoughts of suicide and/or death and dying. Normalizing these kinds of thoughts can reassure people who struggle with suicidal thoughts that they are not “other” or “outside the norm,” but that they are normal, they are not alone, and help is available.

How can mental health providers do more to prevent suicide?

We can remember to not get complacent or comfortable. Even though we may have asked the question of whether the client is struggling with thoughts of suicide a thousand times, not asking the thousand-and-first time could be just enough to miss something important.

Remember to look for the warning signs and increased risk factors for completing suicide. If you are unsure about something, always consult or seek supervision, and do not be afraid of asking the difficult questions.

For individuals with a loved one who may be struggling with suicide, how can they support their loved one’s recovery?

Talk to your loved one, surround them with love, reach out for help if you are unsure, and be sure to take care of yourself as well. When having these types of conversations, it can be difficult to be mindful of your own emotions because you are worried for the person you love. Do your best to stay calm, hear the person out, and respond with empathy.

Reflect your loved one’s emotions by saying things like, “It sounds like you are feeling lonely.” or, “I hear you saying you are experiencing intense feelings of sadness and hurt. I’m so sorry you are going through such a difficult time.” These sentiments can help your loved one realize that you are listening to them and feeling for them.

We often feel that we need to “fix” the person who is struggling and come up with a solution, but that can often feel overwhelming to the individual and cause them to shrink away. So instead, take a deep breath and remember that you do not need to have all the answers, but you can gently encourage your loved one to talk to a professional.

LET’S NURTURE YOUR LIFE TOGETHER

Thrive recognizes the bright spark every individual brings to this world. If you’re struggling to find your spark and are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, our specialists can help you rediscover hope, joy, and confidence to live your life to the fullest. Please reach out to us for therapeutic support.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

About the Author

Kerstin Trachok, CPC — Thrive Reno Clinical Director

Kerstin received her master’s degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. Kerstin has six years of experience in the counseling field working in different settings and a wide array of mental health issues. Kerstin has experience working in schools with children of all ages, clients with psychosis in a hospital setting, adults and teens in private practice, and working at an agency providing counseling to children and families. Kerstin is a fully licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Nevada and received her certification in Complex Trauma Levels I and II. Kerstin has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum, suicidal ideation, and behavioral issues. Kerstin is passionate about fostering the client’s growth and autonomy while providing a safe and secure space to process emotions. Kerstin uses creative interventions and other tools to allow clients to voice their internal experiences beyond traditional talk therapy. Kerstin’s theoretical approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She uses mindfulness tools and techniques to help clients be present-moment oriented, and reduce stress so they may move towards psychological flexibility. Kerstin believes all individuals have the right to live a fulfilling and vital life.

The post Suicide Prevention — What Can We Do? first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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When Mealtimes Become Battlegrounds: How ARFID Impacts Families

August 21, 2025

When Emma was 8, her parents noticed her food choices shrinking. At first, they assumed it was just picky eating — “She’ll outgrow it,” friends said. But by 10, Emma would only eat crackers, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Family dinners became nightly struggles, her growth slowed, and she skipped birthday parties to avoid “strange food.” Her parents felt powerless, her brother grew frustrated, and outings dwindled. What began as food avoidance soon reshaped the rhythm of the entire household. When children avoid food, most parents expect it’s a passing stage. But when restriction deepens, shrinks to only a few “safe foods,” and begins affecting growth or health, families suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory. This is often where Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) emerges — with effects that extend far beyond the plate. As providers, we need to be attuned to these patterns. It’s tempting to dismiss them as “no big deal,” yet for many families, they are life-altering. Sadly, Emma’s story is not unusual. Mealtimes as Battlegrounds Families living with ARFID often describe mealtimes as emotionally charged, exhausting, and unpredictable. What should be a chance to connect around the table can feel more like a negotiation or even a standoff. Parents wrestle with whether to push their child to try a new food or give in to the same “safe foods” again and again to avoid tears, gagging, or complete meltdowns. This ongoing tension can make mealtimes dreaded rather than cherished. Siblings, too, are affected. Some may feel resentful when family meals are limited to what only one child will tolerate. Others may act out in response to the constant attention the child with ARFID receives. Over time, the dinner table shifts from a place of nourishment and bonding into a stage for conflict, anxiety, and guilt — a pattern that can erode family cohesion and resilience. Social Isolation and Missed Experiences ARFID impacts more than what happens at home; it influences how families engage with the world around them. Everyday events — birthday parties, school lunches, vacations, even extended family dinners — become sources of stress. Parents may pack special foods to avoid confrontation or, in many cases, decline invitations altogether to protect their child from embarrassment or overwhelm. This avoidance can lead to an unintended consequence: isolation. Families miss out on milestones, friendships, and traditions because of the unpredictability surrounding food. The child may feel left out or ashamed, while parents grieve the loss of “normal” family experiences. This social withdrawal can compound the anxiety already present in ARFID and deepen its impact across generations. Emotional Toll on Parents The emotional strain on parents navigating ARFID is significant. Many describe living in a constant state of worry — Will my child get enough nutrients? Will they ever grow out of this? Am I doing something wrong? This worry often spirals into guilt and self-blame, particularly when outside voices dismiss the disorder as mere “picky eating.” In addition, the pressure to “fix” mealtimes can strain marital relationships, creating disagreements over discipline, feeding strategies, or medical decisions. Parents may also feel emotionally depleted, pouring all their energy into managing one child’s needs while inadvertently neglecting themselves or their other children. Without support, this chronic stress can lead to burnout, depression, and disconnection within the family system. The Role of Providers For clinicians, ARFID must be viewed not only as an individual diagnosis but as a family-wide challenge. Effective care requires attention to both the clinical symptoms and the family dynamics that shape recovery. Parent Support: Educating caregivers that ARFID is not their fault, offering psychoeducation, and helping them reframe mealtime struggles as part of the disorder — not a parenting failure. Family-Based Interventions: Coaching families in structured meal support, communication strategies, and gradual exposure work so parents don’t feel powerless. Holistic Care: Involving therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and medical providers ensures that the family does not shoulder the weight of treatment alone. When families are validated, supported, and given practical tools, the entire household can begin to heal. Treatment is not only about expanding a child’s food repertoire but also about restoring peace, resilience, and connection at home. Moving Forward ARFID may begin with one individual, but its ripple effects are felt across the entire family system. By addressing both the psychological and relational dimensions, providers can help transform mealtimes from a source of conflict into an opportunity for healing and connection. For those who want to go deeper, we invite you to join our upcoming training on ARFID , where we will explore practical strategies for supporting both clients and their families.

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Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know

July 17, 2025

As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.