State's Attorney | Page 74

Suicide IF YOUR CHILD HAS THREATENED OR ATTEMPTED SUICIDE, YOU MUST ACT NOW. ANY THREAT OR ATTEMPT SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, AS IT IS YOUR CHILD’S WAY OF SIGNALING HIS/HER NEED FOR HELP. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents, ranking just behind accidents. There are certain warning signs that may signal your teen is contemplating suicide, however, the display of just one of these signs does not mean that your child is suicidal. A combination of these factors may, however, be cause for concern. • • • • • • • • • loss of interest in things that used to bring pleasure loss of friends or status lack of outside interests violent behavior behavior and character disorders family history of suicide trouble concentrating poor school performance immediate access to the means to kill him/herself • • • • • • • • • other teenage suicides--there is often a chain reaction where suicides come in clusters loneliness, poor self-esteem, isolation psychiatric disorder loss of a loved one through death slovenly appearance pregnancy complaints of aches and pains chronic boredom illness or disability What to do if you suspect your child is suicidal: • Do not pretend it is not a problem. • Find professional help. • Get rid of anything that might pose a physical danger to your child; i.e., guns. • Put away medications and sharp knives. • • • • • • • • • family stress homosexuality (fears the consequences of telling family and friends) suddenly putting his/her affairs in order giving away valued possessions fear of punishment comments like “I wish I were dead,” “You would be better off without me,” or “Everyone would be happier if I wasn’t here.” Be alert, keep a close eye on your child; don’t leave him/her alone for long periods of time. Always support and reassure your child. Communicate your love and concern. Take care of yourself, you will need help too. Professionals, Therapy, and Hospitalization There are many professionals available to evaluate and provide treatment for those in need. Each one has different qualifications and skills, so it is important that you are aware of what different professionals do in order to get the best care possible for your teen. It is also possible that your decision in choosing a therapist or hospital may depend on whether or not your insurance will cover the therapy and/or hospitalization. Ask your insurance representative to find out which professionals/services qualify for coverage. How to know when your adolescent needs help Deciding if your child is in need of psychiatric, or other help, can be a very difficult thing to do. It is important to find out what other people who know your child think; get input from your child’s teachers, your friends, and other family members. Children develop at a rapid rate, but in different ways, and it is possible that your child’s actions are within that gray area of normal development that makes a decision difficult. If you are not sure that your teen needs professional help, use the following list to help you decide if you need to have your child professionally evaluated. Signs that it is time to get help: • Teachers, child care providers, or other parents are reporting problems, and/or inappropriate behavior. • Your child is not getting along with other children, or is socializing with others who are in trouble. • Your family is experiencing constant conflict, • Your child is excessively withdrawn or aggressive. • You are aware of repeated high risk behavior which is harmful to them, such as cutting self and/or pulling hair. • • • • No matter what, if you are still seriously concerned about a child’s behavior, seek help. 70 Identifying the problem - Suicide Your child’s behavior or personality has changed dramatically. Your child is saying things like: “I wish I were dead,” “I wish I’d never been born,” “You’d be better off without me.” Your child is unable or unwilling to discuss these problems with you. Your child’s personal habits have changed significantly or are not appropriate to the child’s age (sleeping, eating, hygiene, clothing, etc.).