When it comes to suicide, there is a profusion of conflicting information that makes it hard to identify between myth and fact. However, being aware of the realities may enable us to take life-saving methods to help our children.
According to research, having open and straightforward dialogues with your loved ones about their emotional challenges can make a significant impact on how well they manage extremely tough moments in their lives. In particular, it is critical for parents of children and teenagers to communicate with their children and adolescents that they are taken seriously and that you are there to assist them in managing overwhelming emotions – even those that cause them to believe that life is not worth living.
Some common beliefs prevent parents from taking the next best action when a child is expressing warning signs of suicide. We aim to shatter these myths.
MYTH 1:When you ask your child about suicide, you are likely to provoke thoughts in his or her mind.
FACT: When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, being asked about them is often a source of solace for that person. Your youngster will be more open to talking about his or her emotional issues if you say the words, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” out loud. Regardless of how tough it may be to talk about suicide with your child, doing so is a crucial step in increasing their safety.
MYTH 2: People who talk about suicide are less likely to commit themselves. They only want to be noticed.
FACT: Talking about death or suicide is a red flag that should be taken seriously and should not be ignored. Suicide is far more frequently a response to profound emotional distress than it is a means of attracting attention.
- Individuals who display warning indications of suicide are more likely to attempt suicide than those who do not.
- Almost every person who attempts suicide has left some sort of indication or warning behind them. It is important not to dismiss statements such as “I can’t see a way out” or “I’d be better off dead.”
MYTH 3: If someone decides to take his or her own life, there is nothing that can be done.
FACT: The majority of persons who try suicide do not want to die; instead, they want the pain to end as quickly as possible.
- Suicide can be avoided with the help of a trained specialist. Treatment for depression is required, just as it is for any other medical disease, to control the symptoms. There are many different forms of treatment available, and sometimes a combination of services is the most effective option.
MYTH 4: All youths who commit suicide spend a significant amount of time planning how they will carry out their plan.
FACT: The act of suicide can be impulsive in nature.
- Teens, particularly males, are more prone than other age groups to try suicide in the heat of the moment and are less likely to plan ahead of time. Areas of the brain involved in controlling powerful emotions and anticipating future events are among the last to mature. The use of alcoholic beverages and illegal narcotics enhances the risk of suicide even further.
- Take safety precautions such as preventing access to firearms, drugs, sharp items, and ropes/cords when suicide warning signals are detected. You should also enhance your supervision of your child, especially during a moment of emotional crisis.
- Approximately 90% of those who survive a suicide attempt will not go on to commit suicide in the future. It is possible to preserve life by restricting access to fatal means during a crisis!
When someone is sad, it takes considerable courage to speak up about it and seek assistance for themselves. Increasing our acceptance of others and providing encouragement to those who take this step can go a long way toward achieving our goals. If you or a loved one is depressed or contemplating suicide, it is critical that you or they receive support. Please know that there is assistance available. Depression is treatable, and there are a variety of successful treatment approaches available to match individual requirements. Immediately seek medical attention if you or your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts. You can also call The Suicide Watch and Wellness Foundation Organization Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text “HELLO” to 741741, which will connect you to a crisis text line that can help you.
