Supporting Youth Mental Health: Insights from Ellen Komp for Suicide Prevention Month
As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, it's important to spotlight those on the front lines who are working daily to support youth mental health—especially in sometimes challenging environments like juvenile justice centers.
Ellen Komp, a dedicated social-emotional mentor for CHADS, is one such individual making a significant impact.
Inspired to Make a Difference
Ellen’s journey into this field was inspired by her father, a federal public defender for death row inmates. Hearing his clients say, “I wish I had people like you show up for me earlier in life,” made Ellen question what might have happened if someone had intervened before these people reached such a critical point.
“I love kids,” she shares, “and I’ve always wondered if early intervention could save lives.”
This belief drives Ellen’s work every day. Building trust with students who feel abandoned or disconnected from the world around them is no small feat.
Building Trust in a Challenging Environment
“Many of them have experienced so much loss and neglect that they’re desperate for someone to truly see them,” Ellen explains. Her approach is to meet them where they are, offering a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can express themselves freely.
But it's not always easy!
Ellen recounts a time when a student, charged as an adult and facing a long sentence, initially refused to engage. “For almost a year, he would just say ‘I’m good’ whenever I tried to talk to him.”
Persistence and patience paid off when, after months of showing up, the student finally opened up, expressing gratitude for Ellen’s tireless support. It was a turning point not only for the student but also for Ellen, reaffirming her belief in the power of consistency and compassion.
The Importance of Social-Emotional Skills
In such a restrained environment, social-emotional skills are one of the most important things. For many of these children, the only part of their life that they can control is themselves.
Ellen emphasizes that self-awareness and self-management are essential for navigating the emotional and mental toll of their situations.
“Without these skills, it can be incredibly hard for them to cope, which sometimes leads to self-harm,” she says. “Those who develop these skills are more likely to recognize and communicate their struggles, which can be lifesaving.”
Breakthroughs and the Impact of Support
Ellen’s work is not just about immediate crisis management but also about long-term support and empowerment.
She recalls a breakthrough with a student who had struggled with suicidal ideation and self-harm. Through their sessions, he learned to use coping mechanisms and consider options other than harming himself. Even after leaving the juvenile justice center, the student reached out to Ellen to share that he was doing well.
“That was one of the most rewarding moments,” she reflects. “It showed that what we do here truly makes a difference.”
The Meaning of Suicide Prevention Month
For Ellen, Suicide Prevention Month is a reminder that every life has value, regardless of past mistakes. “I tell my students, ‘You are more than the worst thing you have ever done.’”
She believes that showing up consistently and offering unconditional support can help these young people see their own worth and potential.
It’s about providing hope and reinforcing that suicide is not the answer—that their lives have purpose and meaning beyond their circumstances.
Her advice to other mentors and professionals working with at-risk youth is simple: “Always be a safe space. Meet them where they are and show up, even when it feels like you’re not making progress. You never know when something will click for them.”
As we continue to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness, Ellen’s dedication serves as a powerful example of the impact we can have when we choose to show up and support those who need it most.