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You are here: Text Only Home > ediary Role: Parent > What to look for as a Parent
 
What to look for as a Parent
 
Introduction

Behaviors such as extreme anger, drinking to excess or taking unnecessary risks are self-destructive. When these behaviors block your child's ability to lead a stable, balanced life, they could be indicators of an underlying depressive or other mental health disorder.   It is important for you as a parent to observe your child and act when their feelings and behaviors may be signs of potential for suicide.

 

A very serious illness

Contrary to popular belief, depression is not just having a “case of the blues.” Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, one that blocks a person's ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. Depression can impact your child's ability to make wise choices for himself or herself and his or her future. In time, poor choices may undermine your child's will to live.

 

It can be confusing, frustrating and even alarming to watch the toll depression can take on the life of a loved one, especially if that person is your son or daughter   (References 2-4).

Perhaps your child is unable to keep a job or is failing in school. You may think this is because of procrastination or a lack of motivation but depression may be the real cause.

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References for What to look for as a Parent
Life Situation

The following life situation shows how a parent may be faced with the subtle signs of suicidal thoughts and plans of a child and what a potentially effective response might be.

 

Martin is a parent of a 15-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl.   Martin prioritizes his children's education and encourages them to participate in a variety of activities; youth activities at church; participating in sporting activities in the community; playing with friends from school...

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Resources

Electronic, print, and multimedia resources are provided to help you to find additional authoritative information on What to look for as a Parent. These resources are available from such national organizations as The National Institute of Mental Health as well as professional organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

Book

 

Goldsmith, S. K., Pellmar, T. C., Kleinman, A. K., & Bunney, W. E. (Eds.). (2002). Reducing suicide: A national imperative. The National Academies Press: Washington, DC.

You can read the book on The National Academies Press Web site: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309083214/html/


Internet

 

American Association of Suicidology (AAS)

 

AAS is an U.S. professional organization whose goal is to understand and prevent suicide through research, education, training, and public awareness.  

 

The AAS provides a Web page with information about warning signs of suicidal behaviors available at the following Web address:

http://www.suicidology.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=2

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What to look for
>Detection Resources
>>Associated Factors
>>Protective Factors
>>Facts  
>>Myths
>>How to relate
>>Common concerns
>Professional resources
>>Professional screening tools
>>Suicide risk screening tools
What to do to help
>Treatment Resources
>>What to do in an emergency  
>>Suicide hotlines
>>Facilities
>>Mental health providers
>>Legal considerations
>>Standard treatments for suicide ideation
>>What to do as a survivor of suicide
>Professional Resources
>>Clinical guidance 
>>Ethical and Legal guidelines
>>Assessment information
>>Medication information
>>What to do as a professional survivor of suicide
What education is available 
>Education Resources
>>Online educational tools  
>>Organizations
>>Courses for credit
>>Publications
>Professional Resources
>>Higher education   
>>Organizations
>>Courses for credit
>>Continuing education
>>Conferences
>>Publications
What researchers are doing
>Research Resources
>>Research news
>>Statistics
>>Clinical trials
>>Grants/RFP
>>Institutions
>Professional Resources
>>Research news

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Last Updated: July 2004