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Teen Suicide Prevention: Educators gather in Waco to help shine light on ' "preventable epidemic'

The event is for educators, community members, nurses, and counselors. They are hoping to come together to help prevent suicide and help teens and their families.

WACO, Texas — The Region 12 Education Service Center in Waco is hosting their 14th annual Teen Suicide Prevention Symposium Thursday. 

The event is for educators, community members, nurses, and counselors. They are hoping to come together to help prevent suicide and help teens and their families.

On average, one person dies by suicide every 13.7 Minutes in this country. It is known as a "preventable epidemic." 

Right now, the national average for suicide attempts for teens from ages 14 to 18 is 7%. In Texas, the rate is 12%. That's nearly double the national average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Youth Behavioral Risk Survey.

Jenipher Janek, an education specialist at ESC Region 12, said there are signs parents should be on the lookout for. 

"While there is no simple answer, I'd say that noticing extremes in behavior- sleeping too much or sleeping too little, eating too much or eating too little. Sometimes these are active signs of depression. Withdrawal from activities that were once pleasurable and brought joy, unusual habits or in alluding to, writing about, or researching self-harm or suicide," Janek said. 

VIDEO: Teen suicide prevention

One of the most important things is to make sure you're having a two-way conversation with teens about their online activities, such as the movies they watch and what they see on social media. Janek said these things can have an impact on their emotions and behavior.

The symposium is Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Region 12 Education Service Center in Waco.

If you or a teen you know is suffering, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help, 1-800-273-8255. 

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Detecting Depression: Phone Apps Could Monitor Teen Angst

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The teen suicide rate has more than doubled: Here's how you can help save your child

VIDEO: 'I'm Here Too' - Short Film on Teen Suicide Prevention

*** Before watching please be warned this film comes with a trigger warning.*** 

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