Sadly, life can pile over the shoulders of the young as readily as it burdens the old, and there are far too many kids out there who struggle with thoughts of ending their life before it’s even really begun. In rare instances, suicidal thoughts and gestures can be seen in kids as young as 4 or 5 years old. More commonly, suicidal thoughts tend to emerge just before puberty in troubled kids, and once adolescence arrives, thoughts of suicide become relatively commonplace, even among otherwise “normal” kids.
Why aren’t suicidal kids getting the help they need
Unfortunately, far too many children are slipping through the cracks, their cries for help going unfulfilled until it’s too late. According to research, Slaby & Garfinkel (1994) outline 7 primary problems that can often prevent a suicidal youth from getting the help they need. I’ll discuss those 7 problems on the show today. This show explores everything parents and adults should know about child and teen suicides. We’ll discuss how often they happen, why they occur, and what parents, teachers, and other concerned adults need to know in order to help a child who is on the edge.
For Further Insight:
If you know or hear of a teenager who is struggling with suicidal thoughts please call or give them the suicide prevention hotline, to receive immediate assistance, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free hotline run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Parents and adults should trust their instincts. If they’re uneasy about the way a child is acting, press the issue. Don’t simply let a teen reassure you that everything is fine and leave it at that. No teenager is going to volunteer this distress, you need to continually make yourself available and offer support. Don’t be nervous about asking them directly whether or not they’ve ever been so distraught as to think about killing themselves. Their reaction to the question will give you the answer, even if they don’t respond directly.