Is Your Child Struggling With Their Mental Health?

All parents dream of their children growing up to lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Losing a child to suicide may be the worst imaginable tragedy. Unfortunately, in the United States, more than 25% of youth deaths are from suicide. In 10-to-24-year-olds, suicide is the second leading cause of death. In addition to suicide deaths, suicide attempt rates have also been steadily increasing over the past decade, especially among female, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic Black high school students.  Suicide is complicated and impacts young people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, and communities.

Suicide can be prevented.

These devastating statistics demand urgent action. Suicide can be prevented. Families, pediatric health clinicians, and school staff members can recognize and help children at risk for suicide.

How can parents and families help these kids?

All children and teens experience negative emotions at times. However, some youth may exhibit sadness, anxiety, or tiredness due to depression. If you think your child may be experiencing depression, speak with them about what is going on in his or her life and how he or she may be feeling. Bring your child to see the pediatrician, who can help support your family and suggest treatment options.

Top tips to help you parent a child in need

Foster open communication.

• Talk to your kids frequently, openly, and honestly. Bring up difficult topics straightforwardly and share your experiences and challenges from when you were younger. Speak to your children when you are concerned; don’t wait for them to come to you.
• Make sure your children know that they are not alone and that everyone struggles. Speak to your children with empathy and patience. It is natural for parents to feel shocked, upset, and even angry to know their child has considered suicide, but it is most important to focus on your child’s needs without anger or judgment.
• Parents must understand that mental health disorders can be treated.

Look out for “red flags.”

Signs to look out for if you are concerned your child or teen is struggling with their mental health:

• Dramatic behavior changes
• Changes in sleep patterns, including excessive sleeping, insomnia, or difficulty sleeping
• Decrease in self-esteem
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• A decline in grades or overall school performance
• Extreme changes in personality, such as aggressiveness or anger
• Written or spoken statements such as “I want to die,” “I don’t care anymore,” or “Nothing matters.”

Be sure to seek out professional help.

If your child is harming themselves or you believe they may want to end their life, immediately bring them to the emergency room or nearest hospital. If you sense your child is at risk for attempting suicide but is not in immediate danger, contact your pediatrician or mental health provider for an evaluation. These professionals can help to make a safety plan.

A safety plan may include:

• A list of triggers or signs that may cause your child’s suicidal thoughts
• Strategies to help him/her cope with triggers and challenging thoughts
• Identifying supportive people such as family, friends, and teachers
• Designating emergency contacts and what to do in future situations

Remove guns and other dangerous items from your home.

Nearly half of youths who commit suicide use a firearm, and most suicide attempts with firearms result in death. If your teen is struggling, the safest possible option is to take all the guns and ammunition out of the home. (Families may give the guns to a family member or trusted friend during this time.) 

If removing guns from your home is not possible, lock and store firearms and ammunition separately. Ensure your child does not know the lock combination or have access to the key.

Be aware that your child may consider taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs to hurt themselves. Keep medications locked away and consider only keeping small amounts at home, in blister packs instead of bottles if possible. In addition to firearms and medications, other household items to consider locking up include alcohol, illegal drugs, inhalants, knives, razors, belts, ropes, plastic bags, and poisonous cleaning products.

Once your child has gotten help, focus on hope and encouragement.

If your child is experiencing shame or stigma, remind him or her that one in every five people experiences mental health symptoms in their lives. Reassure your child that people can feel better when they get the correct help and support.

Respect your child’s needs and boundaries, but encourage time with loved ones and friends to increase social support. Suggest physical activity to improve mental health symptoms and overall physical health. Encourage activities your child will enjoy and feel motivated to continue, such as walking outside, exercising at a gym, or taking an online workout class.

Support your child in striving for balance and being realistic about expectations.

Avoid activities that will be overwhelming and take time to rest. Reassure yourself and your child that getting better may take time, and setbacks may occur. Be patient and forgiving with your child and encourage them to do the same for themselves.

Please remember, if you are concerned about your child, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, every day and can be called from anywhere in the United States by calling 988.  Team members at the Lifeline can listen to you and connect you to resources.

For more information about safety for children, visit www.healthychildren.org.  You can also contact the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a Program of the Children’s Trust, at 305-243-9080 or online at  www.injuryfree.org for more information.

Written by Julia Green with Julia Belkowitz, M.D., M.P.H., Lyse Deus, M.Ed., and Oneith Cadiz, M.D.

Tags: Child mental health, child safety, Dr. Julie Belkowitz, Dr. Oneith Cadiz, Mental health support for families, Signs of depression in children, Youth suicide prevention