05/19/2023
Are You Aware If Your Child Is Struggling?
Why do I say this??? Within the last 3 years, I have had two young ladies in my life contemplate su***de (called suicidal ideation), 1 young man turn to frequent substance abuse, and 1 young lady starting fires and threatening to leave home. All of these youths are in my family or someone I see on a regular basis.
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Although people are often made more aware of mental health and wellness during this time of the year, waiting until the month of May CAN BE TOO LATE!
According to America’s Health Rankings: United Health Foundation in 2020, su***de was the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24.
This is only second to accidents. In fact since 1999, the teen su***de rate has increased 35%.
There are many risk factors that lead to su***de. Some of the risk factors for su***de according to the CDC are depression, loss of a relationship or loss of a loved one, discrimination, bullying, and physical or sexual abuse.
Because youth process things much differently than adults we may not see, feel, or respond to struggles with the same impulsiveness that they do! Youth under the age of 25 do not think rationally, or function with higher order thinking skills and sound judgment because their brains are not fully developed.
They begin to participate in risky behaviors when they are struggling, to numb the pain and as a cry for help.
So what can we do to notice and become more aware of our children’s struggles?
Notice a change in attitude, mood, or behavior. (don’t just chalk it up to hormones)
Notice a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Pay attention to a slip in grades or behavior struggles in school.
Watch for sudden changes in appetite. (they eat all the time or never want to eat)
Are they sleeping all the time or disengaged and withdrawn?
Are there increased and unexplained ailments? (headaches, stomach aches, etc)
Talking about death and su***de.
These are just a few examples of what may signal that your child may be suffering from a struggle, a short term, or long term mental health crisis. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE SIGNS. PLEASE BE AWARE! AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
If you need more strategies to cope with a child who is struggling or you are struggling to connect with your child and some of these behaviors, you can reach out to me through IM, my website @ www.pacctimpact.org, IG , FB Parents and Children Connecting Together PACCT, email- [email protected]
If you know a child or someone who needs immediate HELP please don’t hesitate to call 988.
