A Response to Yang,Burrola, and Bryan: Suicide Ideation among Participants in an After-School Program: A Convenience Sample

The exploratory study conducted by Yang, Burrola, and Bryan (2009) provides an excellent platform for calling attention to the issue of suicide risk among elementary and middle school youth. Using their study as a catalyst, with this commentary I consider the finding that 12% of the young people surveyed acknowledged that they had “seriously considered suicide during the past year.” I offer an alternative interpretation that focuses more explicitly on youth resilience and discuss how youth organizations can become more intentional and proactive in their overall suicide prevention aims.