ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Rock Island, Ill. -- We would rather not talk about it. We do not want to be the ones to deal with it. But suicide among youth is a reality, and it is more common than we might think.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds, claiming more lives than any single disease or condition. Fortunately, the emotional crises that so often precede suicides are both recognizable and treatable, and good prevention tools can help parents identify a problem before it's too late.
In honor of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 1-7, the Rock Island Arsenal Employee Assistance Program invites you to take advantage of the Brief Screening for Adolescent Depression, a new online screening tool that lets parents assess their children's risk for depression and suicide and determine whether to seek further help.
The teenage years can be tumultuous - new relationships, decisions about the future, and even physical changes can be difficult to handle. Take advantage of this free, anonymous tool and find out how your children are coping. Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening and enter keyword ASAP.
Warning signs of suicide:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate help from a mental health provider if you notice the following:
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself
- Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
Seek help by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK for a referral should you notice anyone exhibiting one or more of the following:
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- Excessive interest, talk, or writings focused on death, dying or suicide
- No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
Social Sharing