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19 July 2002
Youth Suicide: What A Parent Needs To Know
Équipe -Pose ta question!-
What Parents, Adults Can Do To Help
Look for Danger Signs of Suicide
- Previous suicide attempts
- The verbalizing of suicide threats
- The giving away of prized personal possessions
- The collection and discussion of information on suicide methods
- The expression of hopelessness, helplessness, and anger at oneself or the world
- Themes of death or depression evident in conversation, written expressions, reading selections, or artwork
- Statements or suggestions that the speaker would not be missed if he or she were gone
- The scratching or marking of the body, or other self-destructive acts
- Recent loss of a friend or a family member (or even a pet) through death or suicide; other losses (for example, loss of a parent resulting from divorce)
- Acute personality changes, unusual withdrawal, aggressiveness, or moodiness, or new involvement in high-risk activities
- Sudden dramatic decline or improvement in academic performance, chronic truancy or tardiness, or running away
- Physical symptoms such as eating disturbances, sleeplessness or excessive sleeping, chronic headaches or stomachaches, menstrual irregularities, apathetic appearance
- Use or increased use of substances
Note: Look for sudden changes in behavior that are significant, last for a long time, and are apparent in all or most areas of his or her life (pervasive).
When a child talks of suicide you should
LISTEN:
- Encourage the child to talk to you or to some other trusted person.
- Listen to the child's feelings. Don't give advice or feel obligated to find simple solutions. Try to imagine how you would feel in the child's place.
BE HONEST:
- If the child's words or actions scare you, tell him or her. If you're worried or don't know what to do, say so. Don't be a cheerful phony.
SHARE FEELINGS:
- At times everyone feels sad, hurt, or hopeless. You know what that's like; share your feelings. Let the child know he or she is not alone.
GET HELP:
- Professional help is crucial when something as serious as suicide is considered.
- Help may be found at a suicide prevention and crisis center, local mental health association, or through clergy.
- Become familiar with the suicide prevention program at the child's school. Contact the appropriate person(s) at the school.
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