Sue Scheff: Teen Suicide – Be An Educated Parent

Teen Suicide is a very difficult, sensitive and critical topic that parents need to be aware of. LoveOurchildrenUSA is a non-profit organization that continues to educated parents and work with children. In their recent Newsletter, they wrote about warning signs if you suspect your teen is at risk. I am sharing them with you as I feel, especially with school starting soon, and the peer pressure to fit in, parents need to understand more about this subject.

TELLTALE SIGNS THAT YOUR TEEN IS SUICIDAL

Hearing about a suicidal teenager is incomprehensible. Yet, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year-olds. And as many as 8 – 25 attempted suicides result in death.

The strongest risk factors for suicide are depression, substance abuse and aggressive or disruptive behaviors. Some teens who are bullied are so depressed by their torment, that they use suicide as way to stop their pain.

Suicidal behavior amongst teens is contagious. Schools and camps should have mental health professionals readily available in schools to assist teens on how to cope with their feelings and reactions.

It is crucial that parents, family members, friends and educators know the warning signs:

• Feelings of hopelessness and depression
• Nervous agitation or irritability
• Withdrawing from friends, family and regular activities
• Violent actions, rebellious behavior or running away
• A decline in your teen’s school performance
• Neglecting their personal appearance
• Overreacting to a humiliating experience
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or headaches

A teenager planning suicide may complain that they are a bad person or feeling really bad and will often say thinks like:

• They may hallucinate or have bizarre thoughts.
• “I won’t be your problem much longer.”
• “I won’t see you again.”
• “Nothing matters; it’s no use.”
• They may be putting their affairs in order … giving away their favorite possessions,
obsessively cleaning their room

Always take it seriously if your teen says “I want to die” or “I want to kill myself.”
Seek help from a mental health professional immediately.