Creating a sense of connection may help keep #suicidalthoughts from spiraling into actual action, according to #suicideprevention experts.
?All young people go through times of deep sadness, confusion and doubt.
But if your child’s moods and #behaviors have taken a serious turn lately, you might be wondering if they are thinking about #suicide.
The idea that young people would consider ending their own lives can be overwhelming, but the evidence is all around us.
Responses from a 2021 US #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (#CDC) #Youth Risk #Behavior Survey indicate that 57% of #teen #girls and 29% of #teen #boys say they live with sad, hopeless feelings that won’t go away.
These rates are dramatically higher than they were just 10 years ago.
#Depression, #anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (#ADHD) and #substanceuse – all issues linked with #suicidalthoughts and actions – are common in young people.
Your #child is an individual, not a trend.
But it’s important to realize that they are growing up in a time when around 30% of #teen #girls and 14% of #teen #boys say they have given serious thought to ending their own lives.
Here are questions I often hear from #parents, #caregivers and other #adults who are concerned about #suicidalideation.
#James Donaldson 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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
The answers may help you center your own thoughts about what you’re seeing in your own #child – and know when to seek help.
> How can I tell if my #child is having #suicidalthoughts?
Even the most caring, dialed-in grown-ups can’t read a child’s mind.
A 2019 study published in the journal #Pediatrics showed that nearly half of all #parents whose #adolescent #children were thinking about #suicide didn’t know it was happening.
These findings suggest that if we’re worried, we should come out and ask.
> Doesn’t talking about #suicide make it likelier to happen?
Many people believe this, but research tells us the opposite is true.
Asking honest, loving questions is likelier to save a life than prompt an attempt.
In fact, prevention experts say that creating a sense of connection may keep #suicidalthoughts from spiraling into action.
When talking to your #child about #suicidalthoughts, it is important to listen without judgement and not debate their feelings with them as acceptance and trust are critical in such situations.
> What signs of #suicidalideation should I watch for?
Although young people may hide or deny their feelings, research shows that nearly 80% who attempt #suicide will say something beforehand.
That’s why listening and observing is key.
You may notice your #child is sleeping more or avoiding people and activities they once loved.
They may say they’ve given up on solving particular problems, or suggest life has no real meaning.
#Self-harm, #drug and #alcohol use, or symptoms of #depression and #anxiety, are all causes for concern.
You might also see worsening grades or creative work – writing, drawings, music, videos or other forms of #self-expression – that reflect #suicidalideation.
> How can I ask my #child about #suicidalthoughts?
Find a time when you’re not rushing anywhere and can talk in private.
Think about when you’re driving or watching a TV show together, for example.
Begin with love and concern.
You might say: “I care so much about you, and even though I know you are a strong person, I can’t help but notice you’re hurting lately.
“That makes some people think about #suicide. Does this ever cross your mind?”
Expect some discomfort, resistance, or even anger, when you pose the question.
Emphasize that it’s safe to tell you anything, even if they’re unsure what their thoughts mean.
Listen without judging.
If you feel tempted to argue with their feelings, remember that you need their trust.
Extreme pain changes the way we view life, which means your child’s perceptions are their reality, at least for now.
> What should I do next?
Tell them you love them, support them and will get them help.
If your #child has a #suicide plan or can’t stop thinking about ending their life, call a #suicide-related emergency hotline immediately (see footnote for hotlines within Malaysia).
Even if you believe your #child isn’t in crisis, take all thoughts of #suicide seriously.
This means calling your #pediatrician.
Your child’s #doctor has experience in helping families deal with #mentalhealthconcerns, which are just as urgent as physical health issues.
Your #pediatrician can help you create a safety plan that spells out what you and your #child will do if #suicidalthoughts don’t stop (or get worse).
Having a plan helps everyone in your home feel more prepared and aligned.
It also helps reassure your #child that even when they’re at their worst, you will give them your best – because that’s what caring, responsible grown-ups do.
The actions you take now can help your #child navigate #suicidalthoughts while modelling healthy #selfcare that will benefit them throughout life. – By Dr May Lau/American Academy of #Pediatrics/Tribune News Service
Dr May Lau is an associate professor in the Department of #Pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the medical director of the #Adolescent and Young #Adult Program at Children’s Medical Center Dallas in the #UnitedStates, as well as a fellow of the US Society of #Adolescent Health and Medicine and the American Academy of #Pediatrics.
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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:
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
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