American Heritage Girls Founder Patti Garibay: Talking to Your Daughter About Suicide and Self-Harm

September 22, 2021

CINCINNATI, Ohio —On her national radio feature “Raising Godly Girls,” Founder and Executive Director of American Heritage Girls Patti Garibay recently discussed the importance of open communication between parents and their daughters, particularly when it comes to self-destructive thoughts or actions.

Garibay stated, “Youth suicide and self-harm are at an all-time high. Another painful reality? No one is safe from suicidal thoughts or harmful behaviors. This news is heart-breaking and paralyzing for us to hear.

“As Christians, we know we are held in the arms of a loving and merciful Father, but we also must realize the schemes of the enemy. Some believe that talking about suicide with your child will give her thoughts about self-harm. This is a falsity planted in our minds by the Father of Lies. In fact, open communication is the best way to intervene and prevent suicidal thoughts or actions.

“It’s never easy to start this conversation with your daughter,” Garibay commented. “A friend recently shared how she starts the conversation about tough topics with her tween girl. She writes a letter, full of affirmation and love, and asks her daughter to pen a reply. Painful conversations flourish into open ones because on paper, we are given the freedom to say the deepest truths from our hearts. These letters open the door to face-to-face conversation that might have otherwise felt awkward or unwelcomed.

“Find the way your daughter best communicates and start the conversation there.”

The “Raising Godly Girls” radio feature and Raising Godly Girls blog shares guidance and biblically based advice on many key topics affecting girls today. It gives parents, educators, and faith community leaders a set of tools, resources, and Scripture-based advice to assist in raising girls after God’s own heart. The “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay airs on 900+ Christian radio stations across America. 

Read more about Garibay, AHG and “Raising Godly Girls” or visit the AHG website, its Facebook page, on its YouTube channel, or on Twitter @AHGnews.

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To schedule interviews with Patti Garibay, founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, contactMedia@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.

To inquire about airing the “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay, contact Michael Hamilton, 610.584.1096, ext. 101.