Teen Suicide Prevention: Parents
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth between 14 and 24 years of age and the fourth leading cause of death for those aged 10-14. However, suicide can be prevented. It is important to know the warning signs in young people who may be contemplating taking their own lives. Be sure to read the list of signs of suicide risk in adolescents. If you notice that your teenager has some of these signs, don’t be afraid to ask directly if he or she is depressed or has thoughts of harming him or herself. Then get them to the professional help the help to a counselor or psychotherapist. Most important, keep the lines of communication open between you and your child, encourage them to confide in you, and take their concerns seriously. As parents, we can really make a difference by taking the appropriate actions when our children are hurting. You are better off overreacting than under-reacting.
Click here to locate a therapist in your area
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of immediate help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
This is a free hotline available 24 hours a day to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
International readers can click here for a list of helplines and crisis centers around the world.
PsychAlive’s Suicide Prevention Advice
The Glendon Association “Save a Life” Brochure
Dr. Lisa Firestone’s “The Warning Signs of Suicide” &“Suicide: How You Can Help Someone at Risk”
TeenSuicide.us – “Teen Suicide Warning Signs” &”Teenage Suicide Prevention”
HealthyPlace.com “Suicide and Teenagers” &”Teen Depression: What Parents Need to Know”
“Teens Under Pressure”
Dr.Phil recently aired a show on teen suicide prevention in which PsychAlive’s Dr. Lisa Firestone discussed the many ways we can all reach out to our youth and help prevent suicide. The full episode, “Teens Under Pressure,” is now available to view online. Click here to tune in for free
These clips are from the documentary Understanding and Preventing Suicide produced by The Glendon Association. You can order the full version of this film on DVD by clicking HERE.
American Academy of Pediatrics – Preventing Teen Suicide
American Academy of Pediatrics – Depression and Suicide
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Teens
American Psychological Association – Teen Suicide is Preventable
American Association of Suicidology
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Teen Suicide Prevention Campaign
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Jed Foundation – Parents
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