2008-08-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Recognizing when your teenager needs urgent help

There are many organizations that will help troubled teenagers with suicidal tendencies - but only after their life threatening thoughts have been recognized.

Recognizing the depth of teenage despair of "Children at Risk" is critical and early recognition is vital to saving them from self destruction. Recognize, too, that there has been a heartbreaking rise in child and teen suicide rates during the past decade.

The Centers for Disease Control reported recently that "...the suicide rate rose more than 18% in those 1 to 19 years old, from 2.2 per 100,000 in 2003 to 2.6 per 100,000 in 2004. In those 15 to 19 years old, the figures reflected a more than 12% rise in suicide, from 7.3 per 100,000 in 2003 to 8.2 per 100,000 in 2004."

Parents, grandparents and guardians must be able to recognize the warning signs that often accompany the deeply depressed state of mind of our children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following warning signs. Watch for

* change in eating and sleeping habits
* withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
* violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
* drug and alcohol use
* unusual neglect of personal appearance
* marked personality change
* persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
* frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
* loss of interest in pleasurable activities
* not tolerating praise or rewards

Realize, too, that the pain they feel is real. Go to your teenager and offer support and compassion. Really listen to what they are trying to tell you about their feelings. Try not to give advice and don't make judgements.

Ask if your child has thought about suicide, and seek professional help.

Here are addresses of just three of the many organizations waiting to help you save your teenager and any other Children at Risk.

National Suicide Hopeline
Phone: 800.784.2433
Who They Help: Families, concerned individuals

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 800.273.8255
Who They Help: Families, concerned individuals

and at http://www.speakupsavelives.com

Prevent Teen Suicide