Parents Corner

Have you recently lost a loved one to suicide? Do you need answers about your child or other loved one who seems distant or angry?

This page contains information about what signs to look for if you think your child might be considering suicide as an option. It also contains statistics about self-inflicted harm (suicide).

Another great resource found here are letters from parents who have lived through the tragedy of teen suicide.

What Signs To Look For
Abrupt changes in personality
Giving away possessions
Previous suicide attempt
Use of drugs and/or alcohol
Change in eating pattern - significant weight change
Change in sleeping pattern - insomnia/oversleeping
Unwillingness or inability to communicate
Depression
Extreme or extended boredom
Accident prone (carelessness)
Unusual sadness, discouragement and loneliness.
Talk of wanting to die
Neglect of academic work and/or personal appearance
Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing loved one.
Running away from home or truancy from school.
Rebelliousness - reckless behavior.
Withdrawal from people/activities they love.
Confusion - Inability to concentrate
Chronic Pain, Panic or Anxiety
Perfectionism
Restlessness

Statistics
10 Leading Causes of Death Among Ages 10-14 and 15-19
Death Rates For Major Causes of Death in the United States by State

Statistics pages require Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later. Download here.

Letters To Parents
Letter to mothers from Barbie
Letter to fathers from Bill