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 #suicideprevention, kids will know parents are open to discussing serious topics and parents will provide support when needed.
Why discuss #mentalhealth matters with kids? #Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the Unites States for kids ages 10 to 19. And one out of every six 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 #suicideprevention 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.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Conversation
Together, parents/guardians can educate themselves on #suicide information. Peruse valid websites for facts and statistics. 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 #SocietyforthePreventionofTeenSuicide at www.sptsusa.org.
Responses to 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. #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Parents can transport their #child to the nearest hospital emergency room for a #mentalhealth 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 #mentalhealthprofessional.
The Center for #SuicidePreventionandResearch (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 #suicideprevention program offered by CSPR at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. SOS is the only school-based #suicideprevention 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 #suicideprevention and intervention.
Resource
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.
Don’t make #suicideprevention a taboo topic. Talk about #mentalhealth with #teens.
Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator and therapist. She lives in Southern Ohio.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
