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.
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.
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