Some of the greatest risk factors, and one risk factor that is continually on the rise with youth, is the risk of suicide (Bilsen, 2018). Risk factors associated with this consider present or future harm include mental health disorders, previous suicide attempts, personality characteristics, possible genetics and the family, culture and religious views on the youth and their struggles, and availability of means of committing suicide, including access to firearms, medication and alcohol, to name a few (Bilsen, 2018). A counselor must always be cognizant especially of previous suicide attempts, and everything that goes into suicide, for it is not just previous attempts, but why, where, how, et cetera, and what is their access and support, or lack thereof (Gallo et al., 2021).

Close family and community relationships are key protective factors, especially when working with young people (Ozer et al., 2015). This is true even when/if the youth has been exposed to violence, as the stronger foundation and support helps the youth navigate, internalize, and externalize related emotions appropriately (Ozer et al., 2015). An interesting study by Cheung (2017) indicated that the risk factors violence and delinquency decreased when a combined effort was made between a positive police presence and steady social work support worked together to help reduce risk with youth. A counselor may not be able to remove all the risk factors that exist with a young person; however, they can help build on the protective factors by supporting the client by practicing role playing to practicing responding to circumstances (Gallo et al., 2021), helping them learn their strengths and building their community system (Schwitzer & Rubin, 2014). What are other ways a counselor can help a client?

References:

Bilsen, J. (2018). Suicide and youth: Risk factors. Frontier Psychiatry, 9.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00540