Suicide is an act of intentionally causing one’s death, and it is a serious problem that is most common among 10-34-year-olds. While no teen is immune to this mental battle, some factors can make some adolescents more vulnerable than others. And it is a mental health issue that dramatically affects the person’s decision to end their life.
Thankfully, parents can help heal a youth or young adults with suicidal thoughts. It is just a matter of taking intentional steps and creating an open communication environment for the child. It is also vital to understand how you can act as an adult to give hope for healing to a child’s clouded feelings and emotions.
Here are some of the things that you can do to handle a youth or young adult that shows warning signs of suicidal thoughts:
1. Be Proactive
As a parent, caregiver, or friend, the most important thing you can do to support those struggling is to recognize various warning signs. Although there are several influences that can contribute to suicide risk that you cannot pinpoint, observing the red flags like anxiety, hopelessness, emptiness, withdrawal, anger, and significant mood or behavior changes could help reduce the risk of suicide. If you see any warning signs early on, talk to them and ask them what they are thinking and feeling. Do not just avoid but respond quickly, as this will give them a greater sense that you care and want to protect them.
2. Establish Communication and Connection
Do not wait for the child to come to you. If you see some warning signs, ask what’s wrong and offer your support. Keep in mind that your child needs someone who will listen and who will give them the affirmation that they are loved, so avoid giving lectures.
A one-on-one talk telling them that you love them and they are good enough will make them feel better and valued. Also, provide them with an assurance that they can overcome difficult experiences and emotions that are a part of life. With honest communication and deep connection, you can help your child feel that they are not alone through life's struggles.
3. Keep Media Exposure to a Minimum
Did you know that suicide is a problem that can be contagious? Although entertainment and social media provide messages or perceptions about suicide that can be positive, in many cases, they are very destructive. These mediums ultimately impact emotions, leaving kids vulnerable to their influences. Remember that teens are highly influenced by their emotions, causing them to react to tough situations before their brains can catch up and think clearly.
4. Address Other Issues
A child's mental health and learning capabilities can also be a cause of suicide, so seek a counselor’s help if your child struggles with depression, anxiety, perfectionist tendencies, or a mental illness. You must remember to diligently deal with the issues to avoid suicidal ideation from ever appearing.
5. Reach Out for Help
The proximity of help is important to avoid suicidal thoughts. Your child may not try anything while friends, family, or others they respect are around them, so reach out to people who can be with your child to cope with their struggle. If your child has a friend who talks about taking their own life, tell a trustworthy, caring adult so that they can provide supervision.
Conclusion
Suicide is a problem that requires immediate attention—it is not just any other issue that can be resolved with medication by itself, but there is much work to be done to stop suicide from happening. If you need further help with your child’s suicidal thoughts, reach out to counselors near you.
Let Hope Seed Support Center in Texas help you deal with your child’s current struggles. We help many individuals with suicidal thoughts or depression by providing free consultations. If you want to know more about our counseling expertise, get in touch with us today!
