September is SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH! We at Smyrna Pediatrics want to be able to help you identify the signs and learn about the things you can do as parents to help prevent child and teen suicide.
In 2016, suicide was the second leading cause of death among both 10-14 years old (436) and 15-24 years old (5,723) according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
RED FLAGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
1. Excessive sleeping or insomnia (being unable to sleep).
2. Loss of confidence
3. Loss of interest in favorite hobbies or past times.
4. Weight loss or loss of appetite.
5. Disinterest in school and friends.
6. Increase in alcohol or substance abuse.
7. Risky or Reckless or behavior.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
1. Keep communication open and honest
2. Be attentive to your teens behavior
3. Take suicide comments from you child or teen seriously.
4. If your child's behavior concerns you, seek professional help immediately.
5. Encourage your teen not to isolate him or herself but rather to spend time with friends or family.
6. If you keep guns at home, store them safely or remove them from the house during crisis.
7. Make sure all medications are stored safely and away from children and teens' reach.
For more information visit:
SUICIDEPREVENTIONLIFELINE.ORG (1-800-273-TALK)
American Foundation for suicide prevention www.afsp.org
RESOURCES