LOTUS FM
Ways in which parents and caregivers can assist in preventing teenage suicide
• Recap of the ‘social systems’ view
 Teenager’s problem not viewed in isolation.
 Blame not attributed to individual alone.
 Suicidal behaviour also related to deficiencies in family and social systems.
 Lack of communication and bad relationships
 Teenage depression Prof. Laurence Schebush)
Cycle of distress

• Teenage depression arises from a cycle of unbearable psychological distress or anguish in which existing problems are perceived as insurmountable and the teenager withdraws into a ‘dark place’ (feels isolated and alone) in which his/her thoughts become increasingly negative and he/she becomes emotionally deadened.
• Starts off as coping mechanisms (avoidance, withdrawal) and ends up as chronic disorder. The purpose of suicide is to stop this cycle of unbearable pain.

• Interaction between individual, family and social factors

What to do - ABC
• A - Awareness - Recognise warning signs early
Behaviours – Para–suicide attempts (not real attempt), loss of interest in all
activities, digestive disturbances, insomnia, loss of appetite and weight, no
energy, using alcohol or drugs, anxiety or irritability, moods and crying.
Emotions -Intense feelings of sadness, unworthiness, hopelessness, isolation,
loss of control, guilt ,anger, resentment, frustration.
Thinking – Talking about suicide all the time, loss of concentration, poor
memory, negative thinking, loss of creativity, distorted perceptions.
 Attempt to identify underlying problems.
(may relate to family or social issues)
Eg Existing disorders (anxiety disorders or depression)
Personality problems - low self image/self-esteem
(Get professional help)
Specific problems that may be troubling the teenager
(eg learning problems)
Problems in family communication or relationships
Unfavourable family situation (fighting, abuse etc )
Problems with social relationships (unpopular, rejection, failure)
 Attend to these problems as soon as possible.
• A - Action steps
 Hospitalisation may be required in genuine suicide attempts (medication)
 Removal of suicide opportunities (remove weapons, guns, pills etc)
(This will not solve the problem in long term).
A suicidal teenager will find another opportunity.
Long term involvement and therapy is required.
 Implement plan of action as recommended by professional
 Eg (behavioural therapy, ‘Suicide watch’ -24 hour supervision

• B - Be informed (library, local support group, internet)
 Know what you are dealing with
 Educate yourself further with regard to what to do to help.

• C – Changes that need to be made
Attitude change on part of parents.
 Take the matter seriously
 Accept responsibility
 Apply unconditional love ( I love you no matter what)
 Become less critical (more accepting)
 Express empathy and compassion
 Try to rebuild trust and respect
Need to re-open communication and improve relationships
 Remain connected and involved (do not write him/her off).
 Listen, avoid undue criticism,
 Involve persons whom teenager trusts and respects (relatives).
Improved parenting /communication skills
 Develop the necessary skills to deal with the situation.
 Attend talks and workshops
 Attend parent suicide support groups

Changes to the social environment
 Encourage greater interaction with social environment
 Encourage friendships and visits from friends
 Encourage involvement with church or youth groups
 Encourage teenager to attend workshops or courses to improve coping skills.
 Use of community help services (rehab centres, support groups)
 Use of Gov. Institutions- dept. of mental health (Prov. Hospitals, welfare, rehab centres).