SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Teen suicide is a very pertinent issue today in the United States.
While "suicide" sounds very scary, it is 100 percent preventable given that each one of us contributes to the wellness and resiliency of our teens.
With child development accelerated and the many transitions and challenges our teens face daily, it is necessary to take time to discuss a safety plan and resources available.
-- Here are some facts:
• According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in our society suicide is the third leading cause of death among persons aged 15 to 24, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 to14.
• The CDC also reports that among the 15- to 24-year-olds, suicide accounts for 20 percent of all deaths annually.
• The CDC also reports that 60 percent of high school students claim that they have thought about committing suicide, and around nine percent of them say that they have tried killing themselves at least once.
-- What can you do?
As a parent, it can be helpful to have open communication with your child about how to create an awareness of risk factors they may already have such as: depression, substance abuse disorder, a family history of suicide, or exposure to childhood traumas.
Then look for signs while observing your teen daily, look for significant changes in behavior such as depression, substance abuse, talking/writing/blogging/texting about wanting to die or kill oneself; searching online about "how to" do things like overdose, and/or other harmful actions; talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live; sleeping patterns changing significantly; displaying mood swings and beginning to isolate from others; and giving up on activities, sports or goals that have been important to your teen.
Additionally, consider helping your teen identify and cope with challenging situations such as arguments with friends or even parents or failed tests.
• Implement the Resilience and Performance Skills taught through our Comprehensive Soldier Family Fitness Program.
•Take action. Should you grow concerned about the possibility of suicide for your teen, do not hesitate to take action.
There are websites and resources available both nationally and locally.
-- ASACS Support
If you have questions, want to talk with a counselor, or learn about adolescent trends and strategies to prevent risks, and/or how to access support, please call ASACS at (808) 655-9944.
ASACS is a confidential, voluntary and free program for military dependents and their parents. We have offices at several schools near the Army installations, and at Schofield, Aliamanu Military Reservation and Fort Shafter.
--Take Action
You can reach the National Suicide Prevention LIFELINE at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24/7. It's available for concerned parents, community members and teenagers in suicide crisis or emotional distress.
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