Myths and facts to prevent suicide in teenagers

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s discuss some of the common myths and facts to prevent suicide in teenagers. Taking forward the topic from my last post where I discussed some of the common signs of depression and suicide being the deadliest of all, nothing becomes the worst if tackled correctly at the right time. It is important to beat the causes of suicide first but once it is assured that your teen is depressed and attempting suicide, it is important to seek emergency help. Be emotionally and physically prepared for everything that comes along.

Your child is watching you. We have heard this million of times and now is the time to focus on it. Be calm in front of them and patiently talk to them. Listen first and cautiously reply. They are at the most sensitive phase of life and you never know how would they react?

Some common myths and facts busted

Some of the common facts and myths about suicide are

• Myth – People who talk about suicide will never commit it. Fact – You can never analysis the mind of a depressed teen; how they may react to what they just said or heard. Take their words seriously and talk to people and family. It is good if nothing happens but you can’t sit and watch if this happens!
• Myth – If a teenager has decided to kill himself/herself, nothing can stop him/her. Fact – Definitely, we can stop! These children don’t actually want to die. They are confused until the last moment. They don’t fancy death but want the pain to stop.
• Myth – Talking about suicide may give them the idea. Fact – No, it is not that way. Instead, we are talking because we can sense that the child is depressed and need a company that comforts. Discussing openly is the most helpful thing that one can do.

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How can you prevent suicide at your own level?

Suicide plans don’t come in a day or two. You will find your teenager acting weirdly for a long time. The physical presence of a parent is always a consoling moment for the child. They may want to be alone and you can’t force your emotions but leave. So from a distance, a parent is always on duty of his/her depressed teenager.

• Communication is the bridge between all – Always talk. As a parent, we have to be adamant at times while maintaining our calm nature in front of the child. Talk to your child’s teachers. Teachers are the best friends after parents. They may observe what you may have missed. Friends know the darkest secrets that may shock you.
• Seek professional help – It is not a shame that your teenager is planning suicide that you want to hide it from the world. At this point, the most important step is to help your child to save his/her life.
• Support system – The major cause of suicide in teens is lack of support system. Loneliness has become a common scenario in today’s world but let’s not happen this with your child. Living together is much more than physically sitting and be on your gadgets. Children miss the real sound of communication.
• Childhood abuse – This may take place in the child’s mind as he/she grows. It is important to talk about it rather than suppress it for dangerous outcomes later in life. No prestige is more than your child’s life.

There may be thousands of reasons that cause depression and suicidal plans in our teens but there is only one remedy to all – the love from us, the parents.

Keep following the series to know more on the subject.

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