Children and Thoughts of Suicide by Barbara Gillett Saunders, Grief Counsellor Thanatologist Children and thoughts of suicide is a topic many, including myself, find disturbing. You may ask, ‘Why would a child have thoughts of suicide? Are there no support systems? Where are the parents?’
them. Some children do not make their words nice. How do parents know for sure if they are serious or complaining? Part of the problem is that they are children and do not have effective coping tools: who ever thinks of talking to children about mental health concerns, suicide and more? Many years ago, this was not a topic of conversation. Yes, suicides happened in the past, but they were also something hidden from others. Some people felt it was a disgrace to the family, therefore, something to be ashamed of. Adding to this is the way some religious doctrines condemned suicide persons. Is there more openness now? I sure hope so! As an adult, you may not notice the signs a child is having suicidal thoughts. In many cases, the child hides their true feelings from adults. The odd time you might hear comments such as, ‘I don’t want to live anymore’, ‘What’s the use…no one cares about me’. I know you may have heard these comments and not paid much attention to them. Children are dying by suicide, even those in grade school. Children are struggling being in society and trying to live up to expectations in a confusing world. PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHILDREN…THEIR LIVES DEPEND UPON IT!!! NOTE: After the recent article about Angel Gowns (September Hometown St. Thomas ), a local citizen has taken action to create and bring together like-minded community individuals to make and offer Angel Gowns to those who can use them. The Facebook group is ‘Angel Gowns Project St. Thomas’. This is a private group you can join. Currently they are looking for sewers, a workspace and donated wedding dresses.
There is never a shortage of questions. I do not have all of the answers. At this time, I am sharing concerns, asking YOU, the adult, to pay close attention to the children; their life may depend upon it. Children may have thoughts of suicide for a variety of reasons. The experienced pain and suffering after a loss in their life such as the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend or other special person to whom they are closely connected. Do not overlook the effect of the loss or death of a pet. Deaths are not the only forms of loss children experience. Consider divorce, separation, relocating from extended family, moving to a different school away from friends, prolonged illness, and more. Other concerns children may have -- being bullied; being perceived as different from their peers for a multitude of reasons; having a mental illness such as struggling with depression or anxiety, maybe both. What about when a relationship ends between teenagers whether boyfriend, girlfriend, friend etc.? The point is, children feel, have fears and concerns, perhaps not exactly the same as adults, but as real for them as for an adult. I have heard parents speak of their children stating they are going to kill themselves after an argument or when life is not going well for Hometown St. Thomas Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Woo d Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Please email hometown@villagerpublications.com. We look forward to hearing from you . Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
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