Resources for Dealing with and Talking about Depression and Suicide with Your Children

   In talking with some of the leaders in the Urbandale school district, they have provided me with a variety of resources on the topics of depression, self-harm, and suicide. I have placed some of these resources, along with other resources I have come across, in the space below. Please take some time to view them as there is some great advice on warning signs in your own children and how to talk to your children about your concerns.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education website has a huge list of information to review. Plenty of other links down the side as well.

Not necessarily a tip or resource for parents and guardians, but Facebook has a really, really cool feature that they are rolling out this week. Hopefully other social networks will update their sites with a similar feature. Click here to read about it.


The National Institute of Mental Health has a ton of resources on suicide as well. In fact, when it comes to any topic concerning mental health, visit their website for more information.

And our local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Greater Des Moines, is also a great resource on all things Mental Health related. Here is a link to an easy to read "what to do/what not to do" chart when it comes to talking with people about suicide.


And maybe the most important information is the suicide hotline number. Anyone can call it. A person could call it just to talk. A person could call out of concern for another. Anyone.

National Hotline number: 1-800-273-8255

You can also dial 2-1-1 to get United Way's hotline number for information, counseling, and crisis line.

If You Do Five Things with your Child: Talking with Your Child about Depression and Suicide

   

   This is some advice I have used before with parents and groups that I have spoken to when it comes to dealing with teens and/or your own children and the issue of self-harm and suicide.


1.  Communicate with your child and build a relationship of trust that will allow them to openly come to you when they are having depressive or suicidal thoughts and feelings. 

2.     Do not judge. Do not get mad. A local college student who travels around talking to young people told us at a workshop that the turning point in his life was when his mom walked in while he was cutting and she did not get angry. She took the razor and said “You need help. I am here to help. I love you. Now….let’s go get help.”. Saved his life, changed his life.

3.       Watch for signs of depression.  And address it when you see it. Mental health “injuries” and “sickness” are just like physical injuries and sickness. Seek medical help and support.

4.       Get other eyes on your child. You can’t watch them all of the time, but let their coach, counselor, principal, teacher know. And partner with these people.

5.       Love.  Sounds so simple, but love with your words. Love with your actions. Love with your closeness, your hugs, your touch.

College Visit on March 25th!! What College Do You Want to Visit??

 All 8th grade students need to take this survey. We will try to get as many students to the first school of their choice as possible. Thank you!