This article was co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD. Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 15–24 years old. One in every 53 high school students reported having attempted suicide that was serious enough to require medical attention. There may be 100 to 200 suicide attempts for every suicide fatality among young individuals.[1][2] Many people are unaware of the fact that all suicides can be prevented.[3]
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionIf you are a parent whose child attempted suicide, how can you cope with this and help your child?
Catherine Boswell, PhDDr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.
Licensed PsychologistIf your child has attempted suicide, it is important to understand that while you will most likely feel very responsible, it is not necessarily due to shortcomings in your parenting. It is initially critically important that you seek support for your child and family in order to gain a clear understanding of what you have missed. This may involve social and/or family interactions that may have been interpreted through the lens of your child’s psychic distress (depression; anxiety; mood instability, etc.). Remember to hold on to the love and compassion you have for your child, who felt that taking his/her own life was the only solution to often long-term struggles with problems and feelings. As a parent, be willing to own your part of what may have gone wrong or what you missed, and be willing to change what you can. Be discerning about who you turn to for support. Sometimes the most well-intentioned friends can be an unexpected source of judgment and not all therapists are trained and competent in this area.
References
- ↑ https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-suicide-prevention
- ↑ https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
- ↑ https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Ten-Things-Parents-Can-Do-to-Prevent-Suicide.aspx
- ↑ https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/preventing-youth-suicide/preventing-youth-suicide-tips-for-parents-and-educators
- ↑ https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/teen-suicide-prevention-facts/
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior
- ↑ https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/
- ↑ https://childmind.org/article/signs-a-child-might-be-suicidal/
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