Lesson 8: When you fear it is too late...

Parents oftentimes may not be aware that trouble is coming.

Sometimes there truly are no signs of impending danger, while other times there are a multitude of warning signs. Be sure to not ignore any warning signs, and act on them as though a life depended on it. It may very well be your child’s life.

Teenage Suicide

Heartbreaking facts at #1 Teenage Suicide.com point to a number of disturbing facts:

For every two homicides in the U.S. there are three suicides.

Every hour and forty-five minutes another young person commits suicide.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students and the third-leading cause of death among youth overall (ages 15-24).

Teen/youth suicide rates have tripled since 1970.

90% of adolescent suicide victims have at least one diagnosable, active psychiatric illness at the time of death most often depression, substance abuse, and conduct disorders.

Only 15% of suicide victims were in treatment at the time of death.

Between 26% and 33% of adolescent suicide victims have made a previous suicide attempt

64% of suicide victims 10-24 years old use a firearm to complete the act.

Oftentimes, Christian parents believe that their child is different from the rest; they see the church as a safe haven and trust that their child sees it as such, as well. Yet, parents must realize that no child is safe from the danger and temptations. Rejection, fear of failure, fear of ridicule can be anywhere, even in teen camp or Sunday school!

Some of the warning signs identified that a child may consider a suicide attempt are as follows:

• Talking about death, expressing a wish to die
  Be on the alert for such statements as, “Y’all would be better off without me.” Sometimes those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away.
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or fantasies
  The child may be describing her/his funeral. This description can be in written form, in the form of a poem, a song, a painting, any kind of expression. Be alert if your child discusses funerals with you.
• Previous suicide attempts
  Between 20 and 50 percent of all people who do kill themselves had previously attempted suicide.
• Friends who have attempted or committed suicide
• Giving away personal possessions or telling you whom to give them to “should something happen”
• Telling a friend about suicidal plans
• Writing a note
• Depression
  Although the vast majority of depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are, indeed, depressed.

Talk of suicide must always be taken seriously. Even if you believe your child is just going through a “phase”, or s/he might just be trying to manipulate you, take it seriously nonetheless. If you have reason to believe your child may, on whatever level, be contemplating suicide, you must take action immediately. Do not leave her/him alone until help is available. Do not adopt a “wait and see attitude“. Be sure to remove from your house any implements your child might use to harm her/himself. Such items include any firearms, drugs (prescription or over-the-counter), razors or scissors. Additionally, medication and/or hospitalization (even if it is only for observation) may be indicated. If you are unsure where to go or whom to call, simply dial 911. The dispatcher will be able to help you locate a psychiatric treatment facility.

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A valuable resource for further information is the CDC‘s Suicide Prevention page.

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