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Adolescents and suicide prevention
By Melissa Martin, Ph.D.
Talking to your child about suicide may be one of the most difficult
and uncomfortable conversations you’ll have, but it may also be the
most important. Do not be afraid of the word “suicide.” And according
to research, talking to kids about suicide does not cause or increase
suicide. Please read that again. By talking about suicide prevention,
kids will know parents are open to discussing serious topics and
parents will provide support when needed.
Why discuss mental health matters with kids? Suicide is the second
leading cause of death in the Unites States for kids ages 10-19. And 1
out of every 6 high school students has considered suicide in the past
year. Depression and suicide affect people of every race, religious
background, and income level. Kids need to know the warning signs of
depression and suicide and how to get help. Most kids who attempt
suicide have shown signs of depression.
“According to suicide prevention experts, asking a child directly about
suicidal thoughts is usually the best thing a parent can do to help
their child open up about their emotions. Even if their child is not
struggling with suicide or depression, parents can model for their
child that it is good to talk about serious emotional concerns with
trusted adults and important to reach out to friends to have these
conversations, too.” www.nationwidechildrens.org.
Before the Conversation
Together, parents/guardians can educate themselves on suicide information. Peruse valid websites for facts and statistics.
Start the Conversation
Put techno devices down. Give your full attention to kid. Listen as much as you talk. Answer questions.
“If this is a hard subject for you to talk about, admit it! (”You know,
I never thought this was something I’d be talking with you about, but I
think it’s really important”). By acknowledging your discomfort, you
give your child permission to acknowledge his/her discomfort too.” Read
more from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide at
www.sptsusa.org.
Responses to Suicide Comments
If your child makes a comment about hurting himself/herself, wanting to
die, or being unsure of living, take it seriously (but do not
overreact). Start with these phrases to validate emotions and
understand his/her emotional pain. “Sometimes kids feel so sad, mad or
even hopeless that they feel like hurting themselves. Have you been
feeling like that?” “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” “Do you
have a plan about how you would kill yourself?” “We will get through
this together. And you can and will feel better.”
Crisis Options: Parents can call a 24-hour crisis line and ask for
assistance. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK
(8255). Parents can transport their child to the nearest hospital
emergency room for a mental health assessment or call 911.
Non-crisis options: Schedule a visit with pediatrician. The
pediatrician can assess early warning signs of suicidal in their
patients, to diagnose and recommend treatment, and to provide
referrals. Or schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.
The Center for Suicide Prevention and Research (CSPR) at Nationwide
Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, was created in 2015 to address the
growing problem of suicide among youth. Signs of Suicide (SOS) is a
nationally recognized suicide prevention program offered by CSPR at
Nationwide Children's Hospital. SOS is the only school-based suicide
prevention program listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-Based
Programs and Practices. Nationwide Children’s website has several
articles with information about suicide prevention and intervention.
Resources
When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens
(ages 13 and up) by Bev Cobain. Full of solid information. Explains
adolescent depression, reveals how common it is, describes the
symptoms, and spreads the good news that depression is treatable.
Personal stories, photos, and poetry from teens dealing with depression
speak directly to readers’ feelings, concerns, and experiences.
Discussed treatment options, presents the facts about therapy, explains
the differences between various types of helping professionals
(psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, physicians, counselors, etc.).
This book is on the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)
Reading List Selection. Free Spirit Publishing House is a leading
publisher of learning tools that support teens’ social-emotional health.
Ohio and Suicide Info
According to the Ohio Dept. of Mental Health and Addictions Services
“The rate of suicide in Ohio continues to increase despite statewide
and local prevention efforts.” www.mha.ohio.gov.
Supporting Ohio’s public colleges and universities in complying with
House Bill 28. The bill requires each public institution of higher
education to provide incoming students with information about mental
health topics, including available depression and suicide prevention
resources. www.suicideprevention.ohio.gov.
An Ohio bill that would require public middle and high school students
to take an annual class in suicide and violence prevention training
headed to the state Senate in 2019. Also required is for every public
school to have a student led anti-violence club and a threat assessment
team composed of school staff. House Bill 123 is dubbed the Safety And
Violence Education For Students Act or SAVE Students Act.
Ohio Resource
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation at www.ohiospf.org.
Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. She lives in Southern Ohio.
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