15 Oct Suicide Prevention Month
One of the leading causes of death in this world is suicide. But if we’re being honest, abuse and neglect is really the leading cause of death, especially in foster children. In most cases, foster children are placed in the system due to abuse and neglect. This creates risk factors for mental health decline and suicide which increases the probability of those in the foster system compared to those who are not. One change that needs to be made is foster parents being educated on how to spot and if possible, prevent, risk factors of suicide in their foster children. This would be through training, education, studies, and collaboration with mental health professionals for foster parents. A change like this would greatly increase the ability to acknowledge, spot, and prevent signs of children at risk for mental health decline and suicide.
This is not often a topic many like to talk about, especially in detail. But that is the problem. We don’t talk. We often fear saying too much or too little, concerned with the risk of being gory or insensitive. This is why prevention of suicide seems impossible, but that is a lie. If there was more communication and education on the topic, there would be an increased chance in the prevention of the loss of lives. Lives that have only just begun.
Statistics vary on how frequently a person commits suicide, but generally about every 30-40 seconds someone takes their life. So, the question is, how do we detect risk factors and warning signs to prevent such a heartbreaking tragedy? The first step starts with YOU learning the risk factors and warning signs, what they look like and what to do about them. This means you must take it upon yourself to be educated and dedicated to take action.
What are the risk factors? Many include, abuse/neglect, substance abuse, bullying/being bullied, loss of a loved one through death, suicide, or even a breakup, mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.), loss of a job, stress, isolation, history of trauma, and lack of resources for mental/physical/medical health care. Risk factors are important to know so changes can be made to decrease the likelihood of mental health decline leading to suicide. One single risk factor does not cause the result of suicide. It is important to look for the many signs that point to the possible risk of someone taking their life.
But what about warning signs? How can one spot that someone they know or love is not only at risk, but showing signs of possible attempt? Warning signs are what you can spot in someone who is already affected by risk factors. They show signs such as, negative self-talk, substance abuse, being treated for depression or other mood disorders, change in behavior/personality, change in sleep patterns, self-isolation, poor self-care (i.e. hygiene, eating habits, lack of exercise and activity, negative self-image), talk about death and suicide.
Once you know the risk factors and warning signs, the next question is what do you do about them? Building relationships is one of the most important things to do for those struggling with mental health. The lack of support and understanding they feel is another risk factor they are victim to. Start by asking questions, offer support, spend time with them, find ways to increase social connections, connect them with resources such as mental health professionals, doctors, or anyone who can offer support and treatment. It is important to also be a healthy influence and be careful to use kind words with a listening ear when communicating with someone struggling.
Another way to help someone in need is by reaching out to those more experienced on the topic for advice and tips on how to work with the person struggling. This would be therapists, family counselors, trauma counselors, webinars and seminars on trauma/abuse/neglect/mental health/suicide, non-profit organizations, and knowing your community’s resources that are equipped to help and handle situations like these.
This is where we get into protective factors. Protective factors are ways to prevent risk factors and create healthy environments for a child’s mental and physical health. Providing parental support and strength, a healthy home and social environments, access to proper health care, building a support system, access to community resources, educate yourself on the affects of trauma/abuse/neglect all play into ways you can protect your children. Having knowledge of child development, diverse cultures and religions that help strengthen mental health, and knowledge of the child’s family history is also key. Being a healthy influence and safe space without shame of their feelings builds on the relationship and stability of the home. Make sure there is nothing in the home your child has access to in order to hurt themselves. Keep an open mind and willingness to understand their situation and feelings. Notice the risk factors and warning signs and make changes according to what is necessary for improvement. For more information on risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors, here is a link to an article to learn more: https://sprc.org/risk-and-protective-factors/.
Lastly, and most importantly, inform someone. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, let someone know immediately. Do not hesitate to reach out for help in order to save someone’s life. Discretion saves you, not them. There are risk factors and warning signs that are possible to identify and plenty of ways to take action to prevent someone from taking their life. There is no single risk factor that causes someone to commit suicide, so look for the signs. There is no minor case in regard to suicide. Every matter should be taken seriously. Let them know they are not alone, and neither are you. There are plenty of resources for support and help to prevent suicide.
“When you feel like giving up, just remember why you held on for so long,” -Hayley Williams.
Suicide Hotline:
Text or Call 9-8-8
Other Resources and References
https://tacfs.org/suicide-prevention-with-foster-youth/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/in-depth/suicide/art-20044707
https://sprc.org/risk-and-protective-factors/
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