Teen Suicide: Warning Signs

Teen suicide rates are increasing. In fact, the numbers of adults that commit suicide is also at an ever increasing high. We are alarmed when we hear or see of those we know becoming caught in a dark place, such as this in their lives, and we want to know ways to help them see that there is Light.

If your teen is quiet and withdrawn, start being observant, and let them know that you are there to listen to them. If you notice there is a change in friends, or a marked difference in their activities, be aware, and monitor for unsafe choices.

If there is an interest in smoking, taking medications, supplements, or even non-prescription drugs, please help manage or remove potentially addictive and behavior altering influences, as it may be a gateway for further unwise decisions in your teen's life. It may even be life threatening.

Be interested and willing to talk with your teen. You as the parent and guardian, should be the one that he or she is depending upon, and speaking the most to.

Don't allow a stranger or someone else to be the ear, or information giver, for the highest percentage of the day of your teen's life, instead of you as the parent.

Exposure to immoral TV shows, games, and lifestyles should be avoided. Many may think, it's just an innocent TV show, game, or alternative lifestyle choice, but what you expose yourself to, is what you often accept, and may even one day pattern for yourself from, or become. This may seem very simple minded, to say, but truly it is just as simple as that. You become and or accept what you continually expose yourself to.

Be the keeper of your home and be involved in all aspects of your teen's life.