Young people are another critical focus of For All Seasons’ suicide prevention work. Mental Health America reported that 51% of individuals under age 18 experienced frequent suicidal thoughts in 2025, marking the highest level recorded since its screening program began in 2014. In response to the mental health challenges facing young people, For All Seasons has created a new self-paced online course, Real Talk: Conversations That Save Lives, for middle and high school students and the trusted adults in their lives.

Through a series of video lessons, the course explores suicide prevention and mental health topics that commonly affect adolescents. For adults, the lessons offer practical guidance for recognizing when a young person may be struggling, listening and responding without judgment, starting difficult conversations, and knowing when additional support may be needed.

Other lessons speak directly to teens, using relatable scenarios and messages to help open conversations about challenges they may be facing. Discussion guides help youth and adults continue those conversations and explore the topics more deeply.

Students and graduates of Easton High School and St. Michaels High School volunteered to appear in several of the videos, bringing youth voices and perspectives to topics including social media, rumors and group chats, isolation and belonging, anger as a possible sign of emotional distress, reaching out when a friend is struggling, and telling a trusted adult when something does not feel right.

According to Gabby Hare, For All Seasons’ Staff Accountant, “I wanted to be a part of the Conversations That Save Lives videos because I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. I lost my brother to suicide years ago. He was young and had so much life ahead of him. There are things I know now that could have helped him, so I want to be a part of sharing what could help others. It’s important to involve youth in these conversations and help them understand that they may experience intense feelings that seem like they will never end. They need to know those feelings won’t last forever and that things can get better. By involving youth in projects like these, we can help them recognize when a friend is struggling and learn how to start a difficult conversation when they or someone they care about isn’t doing well.”

For more information about Real Talk: Conversations That Save Lives or For All Seasons’ other free online resources, visit https://centerforlearning.forallseasonsinc.org/education/.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsinc.org.