Like most parents I want to shelter my children from anything that would negatively affect them emotionally & physically. Most of the general population are under the consensus that homeschooler’s have no social interaction. That may have been the case years ago, but now, with use of technology, we have re-defined “socialization”.
The new suicide games that have unearthed itself recently in Cincinnati have given me great sadness for the families and friends that will greatly miss these individuals. My thoughts and prayers are with the families!
The truth is, suicide & suicidal thoughts are all too common. Educating ourselves, knowing when to reach out for help, and identifying the symptoms are key. Even though my children are homeschooled it doesn’t mean that they are not susceptible to bullying, peer-pressure, suicidal thoughts, or depression. I do feel that it decreases the risks of bullying & peer-pressure because homeschooling allows me the ability to pick and choose who my children interact with and what sociable activities they engage in. My children aren’t exposed to the people, events, and unpleasant interactions public school children often face. Regardless, I would be naive to think this could never happen to my family and I.
The statistics of suicide death rates are astonishing. I am very familiar with the subject because I have written many college research papers on the topic, however, the rates have dramatically increased since I attended college. The AFSP reports that there are 117 suicides a day, with a suicide rate of 12.93% per 100,000 individuals. Kentucky ranked 19 in the year 2014. It is 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15-34 in Kentucky. My heart hurts over these numbers!
Just next door, Ohio was ranked 39th in 2014. The most startling fact in Ohio’s statistics is that suicide is the 15th leading cause of death for ages 5-9. Very disheartening…
Suicide made the charts for the leading cause of death in the United States, reported by the CDC:
World-wide, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death, with a death every 30 seconds. (WHO)
The key factors for teens committing suicide are the following:
Bullying & peer pressure
Mental disorders
Sexual orientation
Domestic/Sexual abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse
Emotional neglect
Stress
Cyber bullying
Low self-esteem
Feeling helpless
Bullying & peer pressure are at the top of the list for teen suicides. The difference between the bullying of today vs. the bullying of the past is that children are no longer able to run away from the bully. Social media allows for bully’s to attack outside of school. Cyber bullying is real and the government is aware of the effects bullying has on children so much that they have invested in creating websites and joined forces with health organizations in raising awareness with preventative & informative information.
Parents, regardless of how you choose to educate your children; homeschool or attending public/private school systems, be aware of the signs & symptoms of suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Also, talk to your children on a regular basis about interactions with other peers, bullying, and peer pressure. Check their social media accounts for negative interactions, facebook pages, comments, suggestions, etc. By being more involved in your child’s interactions you will have the ability to catch the warning signs before it is too late.
If you are experience suicidal thoughts or are in need of help, please follow the links and information that I have compiled below. Remember, you are not alone! There is help out there!
Teens Helping Teens
Call
Do you need help working something out? Do you want to talk to someone who understands, like another teen? We’re here to help! Call (310) 855-HOPE or (800) TLC-TEEN (nationwide toll-free) from 6pm to 10pm PST.
Text
Text “TEEN” to 839863 between 5:30pm-9:30pm PST to speak with one of our teens (Text STOP to opt out. Standard msg and data rates may apply – click here for terms and conditions).
TEEN LINE answers emails every evening. You can send us a question, and we will answer you as quickly as possible.
Message Board
You can ask other teens questions on our message boards. Read through the disscusions and login or register to join the conversation.
– See more at: https://teenlineonline.org/#sthash.ipsZIR8j.dpuf
For immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
If you suspect that a teenager you know is suicidal, take immediate action! For 24-hour suicide prevention and support in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teen-depression-signs-help.htm Tips for Talking to a Depressed TeenOffer supportLet depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.Be gentle but persistentDon’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.Listen without lecturingResist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.Validate feelingsDon’t try to talk your teen out of his or her depression, even if his or her feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness he or she is feeling. If you don’t, he or she will feel like you don’t take his or her emotions seriously.
If you have questions or suggestions please leave them in the comments section.
Much love. Be kind. Be gentle. Empathy.
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