The national suicide hotline is 988.
Lynne Shine,MSCRC was asked by WKBW how to help look out for symptoms of suicide in our teens.
WARNING SIGNS
- Making suicide threats. Can sound like a joke. Can be put on Facebook. Talking about death a lot. It can be fleeting.
- Hopelessness
- Questioning sexuality and not believing they will be accepted
- Feelings of shame
- Self harm behaviors.
- Possessing lethal means
- Feeling like a burden.
- Needing to go and see everyone, (saying goodbye.) Giving away their favorite possessions.
- Suddenly happy after they were depressed or isolated
WHAT TO DO
- Get help when suicidal symptoms are present
- Do not ever call thoughts dramatic or attention seeking. You will minimize their feelings and encourage them to keep feelings inside.
- Engage with guidance counselor at school.
- Relate to child about your own need for counseling.
- Don’t threaten with counseling versus encouraging or offering.
- Make a contract with your child about who they would call. What they will do if they have bad thoughts or feelings.
- Identify “safe” person. Even if it is not you.
- Remind your child these bad thoughts are temporary. Most failed attempts report that they didn’t want to die and regretted after the attempt.
- Remind kids you will be there for them. They are not alone.
- Talk and listen! You can not talk someone into suicide.
- Numbers for help are listed at the end of the video.
#suicidalawarenessmonth #suicidalawareness #risks #mentalhealth #teensmentalhealth
