A child's suicide warning signs can go unnoticed because of a lack of awareness, but Youth Villages, a local private nonprofit organization, is acting to help equip the Middle Tennessee area to prevent suicides.
September is suicide prevention month, and according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, suicide is the second-leading cause of death by young people in Tennessee, with one child a week committing suicide. Each year, youth suicide numbers rise, but Youth Villages wants to equip parents, educators, and caregivers with the tools to help detect signs for a potential suicide attempt or ideation.
These signs include:
·Talking about suicide, death and/or no reason to live.
·Preoccupation with death and dying
·Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
·Experience of a recent severe loss (especially a relationship) or the threat of a significant loss
·Experience or fear of a situation or humiliation of failure
·Drastic changes in behavior
·Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
·Preparation for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements
·Giving away prized possessions
·Previous history of suicide attempts, as well as violence and/or hostility
·Unnecessary risks; reckless and/or impulsive behavior
·Loss of interest in personal appearance
·Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
·General hopelessness
·Recent experience with humiliation or failure
·Unwillingness to connect with potential helpers
If you see any of these signs in your child, Youth Villages has Specialized Crisis Services ready with specialty-trained master's level counselors available at every hour to take crisis calls or make in-person evaluations.
The Specialized Crisis Services want you to know that they are ready for your call at (1-866-791-9222).
