Teen Suicide III

Page 2
Suicidal Warning Signs
Plan For Action

Page 3
South Dakota Facts
If You've Lost a Child to Suicide
Resources

SOUTH DAKOTA SUICIDE FACTS
  South Dakota is among a group of states in the western United States that consistently has a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the country has.
  About 107 people die of suicide in South Dakota every year (one suicide every three or four days).
  About 12 teenagers--one a month-- dies of suicide in South Dakota.
  The death rate of people age 15 to 24 is twice as high in South Dakota as it is on average throughout the United States.
  Young Indian males die of suicide at 4 to 5 times the rate, on average, of young white males in South Dakota.
  Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in South Dakota for people 15-34, regardless of sex or race.
  Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death in the state for all people 35-44, and the fifth-leading cause of death for all people 45-54.
  From 1993 to 2002 (10 years): 897 whites, 162 Indians, and 9 people of other races died of suicide here (total: 1,068) 
(From South Dakota Suicide Prevention)

BACK TO TOP

 IF YOU'VE LOST A CHILD TO SUICIDE

For parents, the death of a child is probably the most painful loss imaginable. For parents who've lost a child to suicide, the pain and grief may be intensified. Although these feelings may never completely go away, survivors of suicide can take steps to begin the healing process:
Maintain contact with others. Suicide can be a very isolating experience for surviving family members because friends often don't know what to say or how to help. Seek out supportive people to talk with about your child and your feelings. If those around you seem uncomfortable about reaching out, initiate the conversation and ask for their help.
Remember that your other family members are grieving, too, and that everyone expresses grief in their own way. Your other children, in particular, may try to deal with their pain alone so as not to burden you with additional worries. Be there for each other through the tears, anger, and silences - and, if necessary, seek help and support together.
Expect that anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays may be difficult. Important days and holidays often reawaken a sense of loss and anxiety. On those days, do what's best for your emotional needs, whether that means surrounding yourself with family and friends or planning a quiet day of reflection.
Understand that it's normal to feel guilty and to question how this could have happened, but it's also important to realize that you may never get the answers you are looking for. The healing that takes place over time comes from reaching a point of forgiveness - for both your child and yourself.
Counseling and support groups can play a tremendous role in helping you to realize you are not alone.
(From About Teen Suicide - Kids Health for Parents)

BACK TO TOP

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES, TEENS, COMMUNITIES
If you have general concerns about your child’s behavior or substance use, please call the Prairie View Prevention Services prevention counselor at your child’s school. 

If you learn that your child is thinking about suicide, get help immediately. Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or your local hospital's department of psychiatry can provide a list of doctors in your area. Your local mental health association can also provide references.

If your teen is in an emergency situation, your local emergency room can conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and refer you to the appropriate resources. If you are unsure about whether you should bring your child to the emergency room, contact your doctor for help.

 Toll Free Help

(800) 273-TALK (8255)
(800) SUICIDE (784-2433)
(800) 999-9999

Additional Resources Online
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
TeensHealth: Suicide (Nemours Foundation)
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
SPAN USA—Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

Back to Page 1   Back to Page 2   BACK TO TOP