Teen Suicide: Talking to Your Teen & Getting Help
Teen’s Suicide Note
Experts in Teen Suicide and Suicide Prevention tell us that more than 80% of teens warn people before they make an attempt or successfully take their lives.
As I conclude this series on Teen Suicide, I want to recap a few things and give you some resources and helplines for getting help if you suspect a problem.
Remember, the key to preventing teen suicide is to:
- RECOGNIZE the danger signs, and
- DO SOMETHING!
- In other words, DON’T IGNORE! INTERVENE!
Talking to a troubled teenager can be a very difficult thing for a parent, for several reasons. Many times, parents are afraid if they say anything, they might make matters worse, or give the teen ideas that aren’t already there. Or, the communication between parent and teen has already deteriorated into a constant fight.
FIRST, you must be aware that, no matter how much teens may rebuff us, they really need and crave our guidance and attention. Keep trying!
SECOND, if you are suspicious that your teen may be unhappy, then you need to talk to them. You won’t be giving them ideas that they have not already considered.
THIRD, if the communication between you and your teen is hopelessly combative, GET HELP! Usually a trained third party can guide you and your suicidal teen into productive conversations that can lead to hope, and PREVENTING suicide attempts.
Because getting help is so important, I’ve included several links here for further information and helplines for you and your entire family, especially your teenager. This list can’t possibly include every resource, but it can get you started taking action in the right direction.
- Common Ground 24-hour Crisis Line (suicide hotline) 1-800-231-1127
- Infoline
1-800-203-1234 - Suicide Prevention Resources
1-212-459-2611 - Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education
www.save.org - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
www.afsp.org - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
1-202-966-7300
www.aacap.org - Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention
www.yellowribbon.org - Drug Treatment centers and Therapy Directory
www.drugrehab101.com
And the following links are excellent resources:
An additional site that has great articles for teens and parents, offers articles on Teen Suicide and Teen Depression. There’s lots of good information to share here. www.teenhelp.com
There are many other resources available, whether it is your local church or your family doctor, etc. Remember, the important thing is to take notice of what is going on in your teen’s life. Whether it is drug or alcohol abuse, a recent breakup, a possible pregnancy, being bullied or ostracized at school, or any number of other issues, please DON’T IGNORE the issues. Hoping they’ll “get over it” is not sufficient. Get Help and Take Action!
I wish you all the best!
Brennan
