FAMILY SUPPORT
“Every parent thinks that their child could never be impacted, but no one is immune from depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Connecting and engaging in an empathetic, loving way and knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.”
- Lisa Dirksen, Board of Directors President with The Redshirt Foundation
WATCH FOR SIGNS
Pat attention to your child's words and behaviors. If your child is thinking about or planning suicide, they are likely showing warning signs. Never downplay threats of self-harm; take any mention of suicide seriously.
LISTEN AND TALK
If your child is struggling with depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, do not simply wait for the child to come to you. Talk with them immediately with compassion, reassurance, and support moving forward.
SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE
Psychiatrists or psychologists can guide you, diagnose underlying mental health concerns, and help create a mental wellness plan for your child. Support your child at home by following the recommended wellness plan.
Watch for Warning Signs
No child is the same and so no child will show the exact same warning signs. Understanding your child's behavior and changes to their behavior is critical to mental health support and suicide prevention. The follow are examples to watch for:
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Withdrawing from social engagements
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Frequent mood swings
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Changes in eating or sleeping behaviors
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Self-destructive behaviors
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Giving away belongings with no explanation
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Personality changes
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Severe anxiety
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Aggressive agitation
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Dramatic changes in personality or appearance
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Use of alcohol and drugs
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Feeling a burden to friends and family
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Feeling trapped or alone
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Feelings of hopelessness
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Talking about or writing about suicide
If you see warning signs, do not hesitate to start a conversation with your child and seek professional support. There are many resources available, and while this can be a scary time for a parent, you do not have to do this alone. You have a community ready to support you here at The Redshirt Foundation.
According to the CDC, around 80% of teen suicides show the child displaying warning signs that were either missed or disregarded. Know the signs and understand what puts a child at increased risk.
- Center for Disease Control, Teen Suicide
Start the Conversation
You wouldn't be afraid to ask you child if they were feeling physically unwell; mental wellness should be no different. If your child is displaying warning signs or depression, anxiety, or risk of personal harm, do not wait for your child to come to you. Find a safe and comfortable place and time to talk about their mental wellness. Listen with compassion, reinforce that your child is loved, and support them in finding a path forward.
Talking to your child about suicide can feel like an overwhelming and somewhat dangerous subject. Please know that talking to your child about suicide won't plant the idea in their minds and won't make them more likely to attempt suicide according to peer reviewed, mental health studies.
Tips for Suicide Prevention
Encourage Community
Isolation can amplify feelings of hopelessness, despair, and thoughts of self-harm. Encourage your child to connect with community, friends, congregations, teammates, family, or other groups who people who care.
Feeling seen, heard, valued, and loved can help children who are hurting work through challenging feelings and can help prevent suicide.
Focus on Physical Wellness
Supporting your child in healthy eating, exercise, regular sleeping, and stress management. Current research shows that learning and practicing physical and emotional self-regulation can support the body's stress response, calm emotions, and improve cognition according to Move Mindfully.
Support the Treatment Plan
Your child needs help, support, and encouragement to follow through with a wellness plan. Your child might not feel like progress is being made or might lack the confidence is ever feeling better. This is where you must lead by example. Reassure your child that changes don't happen overnight, that it might take time to feel better, and that you'll be there every step of the way to recovery.
Safely Store the Dangers
Access to the means for attempting suicide is a dangerous factor. Find a way to safely store potentially hazardous materials such as medicines, firearms, alcohol, or other items that could create a means to ending their life. Be mindful of your home and environments where your child might be spending time.
