This segment is sponsored by The Kids Mental Health Foundation

Kids and teens are facing incredible challenges these days. Parents, we play a critical role in supporting them before things spiral out of control.

This week, Gabrielle Phifer talked to Dr. John Ackerman. He’s a suicide prevention clinical manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and contributor for the Kids Mental Health Foundation.

In this sponsored segment, he offers advice on having conversations with our kids about sensitive topics like this.

If you or your child need immediate help due to having suicidal thoughts, call, chat or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.