Suicide-Children

child suicide 

This is a topic no one likes to discuss, and no parent wants to even talk, but suicides in children and young people do happen. While older adults are far more likely to commit suicide than children, according to statics suicide is the third major cause of death in young children .

Suicide Risk Factors
Mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety disorders along with an alcohol or substance abuse disorder are the biggest risk factors for suicide.

The top two most important risk factors for suicide for girls is major depression and a previous suicide attempt. For boys, the top risk factor is a previous suicide attempt, followed by depression, disruptive behavior, and substance abuse.

There are several warning signs that someone may be at increased risk of suicide, and they are:

suicide notes — these should always be taken seriously

threatening suicide — direct or indirect

previous attempts of suicide

depression, particularly in the presence of thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness

risk-taking behavior, particularly anything involving gun play, aggression, or substance abuse

making final arrangements — this might involve giving away prized possessions

efforts to hurt themselves, such as self-mutilating behavior and self-destructive acts

inability to concentrate or think rationally

changes in physical habits and appearance, such as insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping far too much), sudden weight gain or loss, disinterest in basic hygiene

great interest in death and suicidal themes — it might manifest in their journal, school papers, drawings

sudden changes in friends, personality and behavior, or withdrawal from family and friends

increased interest in things dealing with suicide — a sudden interest in guns or other weapons, pills, or even alluding to suicidal plans

vulnerable teens and young adults swayed by media reports of celebrity suicides, or the romanticized representation of suicide in movies and television

low levels of communication between parent and child — family discord has not been decisively shown to be a major risk factor for suicide, but it further exacerbates other problems such as depression, alcohol and drub abuse

being bullied or victimized, or being a bully
Unfortunately, many family and friends are left completely bewildered and shocked by the suicide of a young person. It is not uncommon for families to never learn what brought someone to take their own life.

Parents, caregivers, and teachers are the best observers of an adolescent's behavior, and the best judges of suicidal tendencies in children and young adults. If you notice any of the above risk factors, notify your physician, the school counselor, or take them to see a mental health professional immediately. Don't dismiss your instincts or their feelings. If you think something is wrong, it probably is.

THANKS 

Child Care

Child Care

Listen

When you take the time to listen to your child, you make him feel important and let him know you have interest in his thoughts and feelings. Even infants and toddlers communicate, if you take the time to listen and pay attention to their attempts at communicating, advises Laurissa. Responding to nonverbal communication will help your child express himself verbally, recommends  Be sure to make time to talk with your child, even as he ages into his pre-teen years and older. When talking with him, give him your full attention, avoid interrupting him and give him nonverbal encouragement, such as leaning toward him, occasionally saying "uh-huh" or smiling when appropriate.

Setting Limits

 If your child misbehaves, do not tell her she was bad. Instead, tell her what she did was wrong and explain a more appropriate behavior. Make clear and consistent rules. This means that the consequence for breaking a rule should be the same each time it is broken. Therefore, parents, baby-sitters and any other family member should use the same rules for your child. Common discipline areas as a child ages include lying, steeling and cheating, states If you find your child lying, steeling or cheating, you need to talk with them to find out exactly why they behaved the way they did, emphasize family rules, figure out a way to reward them when they behave properly and set a good example.talking to your child's school counselor or pediatrician, if his lying, stealing or cheating gets out of control.

Time

Spend plenty of time with your child. children often misbehave when they need attention. Spend time with your child by reading together, playing together, walking together or doing chores together. Mrs. Lock advises that when a parent spends a lot of quality time with their child, a stronger bond builds between a child and the parent, making disciplining and communicating easier.

Praise

Your child needs to know how proud he makes you. Each time he learns something new, behaves well or conquers a challenge tell him how proud you feel, You help build your child's self-esteem when you praise his achievements, good decisions and positive attitude.