Talking About Suicide
September is world suicide prevention month.
About one million people die by suicide every year. Globally, suicide is in the top 3 leading causes of death.
The most important keys to suicide prevention is awareness, education, and communication.
Communication can be easier said than done.
It can be a tough subject for people to talk about in general, especially parents with their children. Sometimes parents can worry that talking to their kids and teens about suicide is actually going to increase the likelihood, but experts say this is not the case.
If there are any specific situations in your child or adolescents’ school that would involve having a conversation about suicide, experts encourage this. It may be hard, as their parents, to sit down and discuss such upsetting situations. But it is more important for them to know that you want them to come to you immediately if they are struggling.
Opening up the conversation about suicide for your children is also important because it de-stigmatizes the subject,not only helping them to understand that they can come to you but that they can discuss suicide with their friends too if they see anything concerning amongst their peers.
Kids and teens who appear to be struggling but have difficulties with admitting they need help might benefit from parents directly asking them about suicide. This can send the message that the parent cares, that they want to help them, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Beating around the bush makes it seem like something shameful, and ignoring it sends the message that their struggles are not concerning.
Some kids and teens who have contemplated suicide keep it close to the vest and hide their feelings, but others are open about it and let those close to them know that they are in pain. This is why it may be beneficial to ask your child if you have seen any signs that are concerning.
Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for if you are worried about your child or adolescent having suicidal ideations.
Mood swings
Changes in sleep- less or more
Changes in appetite- eating less or eating more
Dropping grades
Giving away belongings- especially important ones
Isolating from friends and family in their room
Reckless behavior
Using drugs or alcohol
Writing or drawing about suicide
Expressing feeling like a burden or unworthy
Expressing feeling unwanted or like they don’t belong
Expressing hopelessness
Talking (even joking) about wanting to die
Strange internet search history
It’s also important to add that any and all suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously, so a conversation about suicide could genuinely be lifesaving for your kid or teen.
It would be especially imperative to look out for warning signs of suicide if your child or adolescent is being bullied in school, if your family has a history of mental health disorders, if your family has ever experienced a death by suicide, or if they have struggled or do struggle with alcohol/substance abuse.
If your child or teen needs immediate and urgent help with this, here are some resources:
Call or text 988 - The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Available 24 hours.
If you would like to begin counseling with a child or adolescent therapist, don’t hesitate to reach out to Amel Counseling & Consulting today for a free, 15-minute phone consultation so that we can see how we can provide proper support for you and your family.
