Warning signs: Suicide
By TLChimes
@TLChimes (4822)
United States
March 29, 2009 8:33pm CST
Have you every had to find help for a child or other loved one that feels so lost they could harm themselves?
Most of the info I have about the subject I'm posting on is US based but the information is good and I welcome you to add things from other countries. Who knows who you may help.
My teen son had me worried so I contacted his doctor. Then I started looking for resources on line.
-1 in every 11 high school aged kid in my state reported having attempted suicide. Not just thought about it, but tried it.
-3% of those who tried it need medical help afterward.
-26% showed symptoms of depression, 16% of those had seriously thought of suicide.
-Suicide is the 3 leading cause of death in this state for teens and young adults. There are about 4,000 yearly.
-Kids, just little kids, aged 10 to 14 saw 244 suicides in 2003
[/b]Call 1-800-273-8255[b] anytime to get crisis help
[/b][/u]Warning signs[u][b]
These are just a few, so follow your gut.
They may talk about killing themselves. They may look for ways to do it, like taking a bottle of pills or getting a gun. They may talk about death and dying. They may seem overly or falsely happy. Or they may seem down and dark all the time. Big swings from one end to the other. They may do risky things that may get them hurt. They may use drinking or drugs to try to feel better. They may try to settle their affairs. Give much loved objects away. They may stop hanging out with friend and with drawl from life. Their sleep may be off... too much or too little.
Some places to check out:
http://www.chaseedwardsmemorial.com
http://www.suicidology.org
This one is great: http://www.sprc.org
http://www.afsp.org
So what have you found that helps you and your loved one through?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
30 Mar 09
No tone we would want to have in common sweetheart but sadly yep it is!
My eldest has been there too and you feel so helpless! I have found that talking is one of the best things - letting him talk and pour his heart out without fear and just being there for him. He also had help from a project at school that he was put forward for to build his self esteem which helps a lot. After he was assaulted last year he was offered counselling from Victim Support - he decided not to go for this option yet but is aware he can take the offer up a later date if he feels he would like to. Thanks for the links - I will read them tonight! Hugs xxx
1 person likes this
@TLChimes (4822)
• United States
31 Mar 09
We mom's worry, it's our job. I hope the links help.
You are a good friend to have.... because you understand.
I think Josh and I being so close is what allowed him to share with me in ways he can't with others in his life. I raise them to know I am always here for them... no matter what.1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
31 Mar 09
here's my story. many are surpise when i speak of this, i have tried it a few times, and i am glad i did fail. this when i was younger, and i got back to that point again in my adult life. depression is one of main cause of this.
able to see the signs and admitting that your kid or yourself is depress. and not knowing why is the worst part.
but if someone see that thier kids, or family and friends are becoming more withdrawn from others, the behavoirs had changed so much. they need help. most people who has these thought wont tell anyone at all.
i have lost some close friends due to this, depression had claim some good people i knew. it almost claim me.
but i find some dont understand or dont think depression is an illness. they are often to be the first to say get over it. but getting over it is hard and often meds are needed to help them as well therpty.
i've been bless with some super family and friends, and great doctors, therpist, and a wonderul pastor to help me out. and i've been able to give thier gift to others who needed the same help to be guided in the right path for help. and now i am looking to be able to help one more person who is so dear to my heart and my life, my step mom.
but this is a great thing that you are doing by putting the information out there and it might help save someone tonight, or next month or a year. if it save one person life, it's worth it.
you and your family will be in my prayers, and best of luck to you. keep faith and be there to listen,
1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
31 Mar 09
i think more parnets need to be like you, to let thier kids come and talk to them when they need too, without hearing lot of crap
1 person likes this
@TLChimes (4822)
• United States
31 Mar 09
Thank you for sharing with us.
I can only hope that by posting this more learn and can help.
It is a helpless feeling when you can't make your childs hurt go away. I'm glad my son and I are close enough that he can talk with me.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.
@psychotaz206 (2086)
• United States
30 Mar 09
i had to deal with the same problem my 10 year old was put into the hospital twice it was the hardest thing i ever had to do, but i was scared for his life. he was there when he was 8 and again in april 2008 we went to see him everyday when he was there the first time we found out he has bipolar on top of his adhd and odd , we still worry about how he is going to reacked its scarey my mom got mad that i let him go to the hospital but i figured it this way i would rather have him there where he could get the help he needs insted of having him kill himself , i am just glad there is all kinds of information and support groups out there that can help.
1 person likes this
@TLChimes (4822)
• United States
30 Mar 09
Thank you for sharing this. I bet that a lot of folks don't realize it can be such an issue for kids that young. And it is so hard to know what the right thing is.
I told my son's dad that I would rather see my child in the hospital getting help then going to visit him in the graveyard because I failed to get him help.
I wish you all the best with your son. Keep up the great work. I know it's hard but it's worth it.
@krajibg (11922)
• Guwahati, India
30 Mar 09
Hi! This is not there is your country only but has become a global phenomenon. And this is mainly because of this gross materialistic life where children are deprived of love and affection as their parents are after doubling their income and living a lore luxurious life.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
30 Mar 09
This is great information. Thanks for posting it. The scariest story was when I was teaching and had a student approach me to talk before class. The words out of their mouth was "I was going to kill myself today, and thought I best talk with you first". We talk about such things in methods classes, but nothing fully prepares you for it as a teacher to occur. We called their parent and got the right help, but my heart broke that day. It was the first time it had really hit home just how much this was occuring amongst our youth today.
It also opened my eyes to adultism, a very real issue amongst adults and how we view teens. I think if more adults knew about it, read up on it, the better we might do in understanding teens today and stop some of the destructive behaviors because we change how we interact with them.
Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@TLChimes (4822)
• United States
31 Mar 09
The difference between my sons mother and his father is that one paid attention and one said it was teen age bull.
I have spent 17 years (plus 8.5 months before that) making sure my kid knew he could come to me with anything.
This weekend showed me that with out a doubt I had, he did, and it was for the very best.
Now I hope we are doing all we can to help him heal and become healthy.
@phoenix79 (302)
• United States
30 Mar 09
I think everyone should learn these symptoms. It is hard to watch someone go through depression. Learning the waring signs can help.
1 person likes this
