According to the WHO (World Health Organization), suicide rates in young people and adolescents have increased in America, and unfortunate...
We have to be very alert to the signs that our young people show to avoid great tragedies; since life is the most valuable thing we have and we must teach them to enjoy every moment of it.
It can be somewhat complicated to take on the role of guides or "saviors" since each head is a different world, we all have painful stories to tell and each person acts and thinks differently; sometimes what can be painful for one, for others not. It all depends on the approach that is given to the problems of life, as well as age, maturity, or unresolved traumas generated since childhood.
As adults, however, we can identify some obvious signs that our teens are thinking about suicide. That is why I have decided to share with you some indications that you have to know in order to help them.
You don't play with life
Let's see in detail what are the most common signs that young people give when they want to attack their own lives.
1. They talk about suicide
Perhaps because it is fashionable or it may be a trend in some television series that young people talk about suicide, death, killing, among other things. An example of this is the famous series processed on Netflix "The Squid Game", which is about a group of people who have economic needs and are chosen to play games and thus compete to earn money, but the participants do not know rules. and they do not know that if they lose they will be brutally executed.
Of course, this is a science fiction series and it is not rated for minors, however, many teenagers have seen it and believe that this series cannot have collateral effects on their minds; however, each adolescent is different and perhaps this type of series can motivate them to commit acts of self-harm or think about suicide.
If your adolescent children constantly talk about death, suicide and mention phrases like "I'm going to kill myself", "I hope I die" or "I'm tired of life", "I like to see dead people, blood and violent things", they are obvious signs that something is not right in their minds.
2. Depression
Clinical depression is a common disease that affects most adolescents, because they are experiencing changes of all kinds, both physical, emotional, and social, in search of their own identity, individuality, personality, and independence.
That is why depression can also be a sign of suicide. Typically, young people isolate themselves socially, do not want to talk to anyone, have mood swings, and may even be violent with their own parents, friends, relatives, or anyone around them.
Remember that this is a disease and as such should be treated by a specialist in the field; what is recommended are therapies guided by psychologists.
3. Habit changes
Some teens stop eating, sleeping well, studying, even doing things they used to love doing. They become less receptive to feelings of happiness, joy, and love.
The only thing that catches their attention is carrying out activities that represent risks since what they want is to kill themselves. If your teenagers change their habits drastically then it will be a red flag that you should be aware of in order to help them.
4. Say goodbye
Teens often want to say goodbye to the people they love, whether it's their parents, friends, and loved ones. They do this by means of some letter, phrases, or different demonstrations of love. For example, they can hug you very tightly and tell you that they love you, that everything is going to be okay, or they can just tell you that things will get better soon.
They will never tell you that they are thinking of committing suicide, but you will really perceive their actions or behaviors differently since they will do something that is not common for them to do.
5. Vices
Unfortunately, many adolescents believe they are very mature and decide to try drugs or alcohol, without really knowing the consequences that vices bring. This can be a sign of suicide when your teens begin to lose control of their own lives, drinking and using drugs. Perhaps they do it secretly, which is why you should be aware of your children and know what they do in their free time, what friends they have and, above all, what their needs are.
I recommend you always have good positive communication with your children, be open with them, let them express themselves as they are, so you can know what they are thinking. Avoid judging them, criticizing them, imposing rules on them, and above all invading their privacy. Keep in mind that there are other ways to open dialogues and approaches with children in a loving way.
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