The thought of one’s child taking his or her own life is so horrifying to any parent that many push it to the back of their minds rather than confronting the possibility. However, during the tricky teen years, it is crucial to talk openly about suicide and shine the light on a potentially life-saving conversation.
Mark de la Rey, a clinical psychologist at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth, shares insight into adolescent and teen mental health and suicide.
In a world of extreme academic pressure, online bullying and other social challenges, teenagers will be far better equipped at navigating this difficult subject if they have the opportunity to talk it through at home.
Parents may be apprehensive about how best to approach this topic. Naturally, this needs to be done at an age-appropriate level, but it is important to remember that children have access to and are exposed to information and misinformation about difficult subjects like suicide – we cannot shelter them from that and treating it as taboo would be dangerous.
What you can do as a parent is help unpack why some people take their own lives and how such a tragedy is not the only option. A good ice-breaker might be to watch a TED talk about suicide together and then allow everyone to discuss their views about it afterwards.
Are there signs?
Suicidal ideation sprouts from some level of depression or a mood disorder, and suicide – whether attempted or successful – indicates a genuine sense of hopelessness.
Unfortunately, there are not always clear signs, especially in high-functioning teens who are good at sports, performing well academically, popular in their friend group, etc. This makes it easier for them to mask their true mental state, which they may do to live up to what they believe is expected of them.
Stressful situations
There are certain instances in which teenagers can become so caught up that they are not able to take a step back and regain perspective without some help.
This includes common scenarios, which can be nearly impossible to avoid, such as exam pressures and relationship issues. Others may be less apparent such as online bullying. The digital environment can be extremely threatening to your child’s mental health and this is an area that needs a lot of discussion.
Significant changes
Any significant behaviour change can be a warning sign. Life as a parent is understandably very busy and it can be easy to miss a signal, so it is important to have a sense of what is happening in your teen’s daily life.
If you have a child who is usually active and social but becomes withdrawn or a child who has always been a homebody but now seems to be looking for reasons to stay away, keep a watchful eye. Sudden outbursts of anger and frustration and changes in daily habits can also point to emotional difficulty.
Speaking with finality
Sometimes people having suicidal thoughts will do and say things that can indicate plans to end their lives. This may come out in careless language, for example, saying ‘You won’t have to deal with me much longer’ or perhaps ‘Maybe we’ll meet again one day’ to a close friend.
Such statements are sometimes made on social media, which is a cry for help that must be taken seriously.
Let them know you are there
Teenagers are in a transitionary phase where it is natural for them to become more independent, and parents need to shift to a more supportive role as teens start learning how to be accountable for their own actions.
It is not easy to know when to let go, and if you see problematic behaviour, it’s even harder. No matter what phase you are in with your teen, let your presence in their life be known. If they push you away, don’t be put off. They need to know that you are around and that you are there for them.
Parents often have a sense that something is off even if it is not clear what the issue is and, in these moments, it is important to sit down together and have a chat.
Watch your reactions
Your child needs to know they can come to you with a problem, no matter how terrible it may appear to them at the time. This means being measured in your responses, which is not always easy when dealing with the emotionally charged and sometimes chaotic world of teenagers.
However, if you tell your child that they can always come to you with a problem and then immediately react with anger or disappointment when they do approach you with something difficult, this can push them away and create distrust. That is not to say that there should be no consequences to their actions, but they need to feel they can be honest and confide in you.
Ultimately, you want your child to feel that they can talk to you when they are facing a seemingly insurmountable problem and to know that help is always available. Open conversation is your opportunity to reinforce that message.
If you know or suspect that your child is having suicidal thoughts, seek professional help. There is always another option and while they might not be able to see it now, there is a way through.
Netcare Akeso’s range of services, including occupational therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, are available to provide professional support.
In Cape Town, adolescent programmes for general psychiatry and addictions are available at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth and Netcare Akeso Milnerton. They can also assist teenagers with eating disorders at Netcare Akeso Montrose Manor.
In any mental health emergency, or for advice on mental healthcare, Netcare Akeso offers a 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787. Trained counsellors are available to talk to without judgement and can guide you on the various options for assistance. Visit the Netcare Akeso website for more information.
Also read:
Study shows that WC adolescents have alarming mental health struggles
Picture: Supplied
