Parental Guide to Avoiding Teenage Suicide
by Bimal Preet Kaur - May 21, 2009
Being a parent to a teenager, you must watch out for signs that may lead your child to attempt suicide, and know how to handle the situation.
Help Centre for Suicidal Attempts
AASRA
104, Sunrise Arcade,
Plot No.100, Sector 16,
Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai
India - 400709
TEL - HELPLINE: 27546669 (24hrs)
OFFICE: 27546667 (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Email: aasrahelpline@yahoo.com
Signs for Possible Suicide Attempt
Verbal Threats: Never ignore verbal threats of your child, especially when he/she say things like, “I will kill myself if you…”, “No one loves me. Why should I live?”, “No one will bother if I am gone.”
Death Themes: Be on guard if you see death themes like bones, skulls or coffins in his drawings and notebooks.
Changed Interests: Keep an eye on interests of your teenager. A sudden interest in guns, blades and other form of weapons may be a hint.
What Can Parents Do
Talk about Your Fear to Your Teenager: Get the word “suicide” out in the open and talk to your child about how scared you are about losing him/her. Confessing your feeling to him/her will make them more comfortable and there is a very fair chance that they may talk about how they have been feeling all this time.
Reassure Him/Her about Your Love: You must tell your teenager how much he/she means to you. If you have not been able to do that recently, make an apology to your child.
Never Leave the At-risk Teenager Alone: Never leave your teenager alone, especially at home. Make sure they are always in a safe company.
Always Use Positive Words: Teenagers are emotionally sensitive. You must never use any harsh words for them. Negative motivation does not work with teenagers.
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on May 23, 2009 - 20:10 | Write to author: Bimal Preet Kaur |
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