Video: 6 signs of a suicidal child or teenager

Video: 6 signs of a suicidal child or teenager


Suicide among children and adolescents is a cause for concern and pediatricians report warning signs

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Data from the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, from the Brazilian Public Security Forum, released in July, show that the number of suicides in Brazil grew by 11.8% in 2022 compared to 2021. In 2022, 16,262 cases were recorded , an average of 44 per day. . In 2021 there were 14,475 suicides. In proportional terms, Brazil had 8 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, compared to 7.2 in 2021.

In Latin America the increase was 17%, accelerating the need for action to contain this movement. Especially because, in the same period, suicide has become the fourth leading cause of death among people between 15 and 29 years old.

“This serious and catastrophic event has increased to exponential levels over the last decade, raising discussions about where we, as a society, may be failing,” says Anna Bohn, a pediatrician at the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP). “The adolescence phase can be very challenging as it is a time of building an identity and searching for one’s role and positioning in relation to peers and society.”

Warning signs

Dedicated to disseminating information to equip society, the doctor presents a list of the main behaviors/symptoms that parents must observe in an attempt to predict the risk of suicidal actions in their children:

  • • Excessive pressure regarding the future, good grades or admission to good universities;
  • • Change in the pattern of eating habits, sleeping habits, weight, or usual daily routines;
  • • Loss of interest or suspension of activities you really enjoyed;
  • • Severe isolation from friendships or family contacts and cancellation of plans with close friends frequently and for no apparent reason;
  • • New and unusual academic difficulties, in activities that were previously easy or common;
  • • Thoughts repeated with anguish that don’t go away;
  • • New, large group of friends you’ve never met before;
  • • Repeatedly refusing to talk about your concerns, despite being available and open to hearing them in different ways;
  • • Obsession with a certain goal and the feeling that if you don’t achieve it, your life will never be the same;
  • • Signs of substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol);
  • • Self-harm or unexplained injuries.

Prophylactic relationship between parents and children

In addition to observing their children’s behavior, Anna recommends that parents and guardians find ways to maintain closeness and a deep relationship with children and adolescents, which, by its nature, minimizes the chances that they will lead to attempts to take away life.

“The main point of mental health prevention is the bond and affection between parents and children. Building self-esteem at all stages of childhood helps in adolescence and the difficulties inherent in it. It is important to help children find skills and give compliments”, summarizes the expert.

She also recommends maintaining active listening, speaking less, and allowing truly non-judgmental space so they feel safe to speak up.

“A good bond also has common interests as a key aspect. It is important to create and maintain routine activities where parents and children can enjoy together and create memories,” he adds.

Identity formation phase

Anna underlines how important it is to maintain autonomy in decisions in various aspects, since adolescence is a phase of identity formation.

“Many parents want to take actions for their children and spare them frustration. In fact, we should always be there and support decisions or help them think about the pros, cons and consequences. Frustration and challenging experiences are inherent in life, but with affection and a secure bond it is possible to evolve”, he teaches.

Finally, the pediatrician reminds us of the importance of staying in contact with your children’s friends, practicing physical activity, outdoor experiences and, above all, asking for help at the slightest sign of suspicion.

“The old saying that ‘it must just be a phase’ shows how long it takes to make serious diagnoses, which worsens the prognosis of psychiatric disorders.”

Pediatricians as a pillar of help

During adolescence it is common for pediatricians to lose contact with the family or for appointments to be very sporadic.

“Therefore, it is important that professionals equip families to recognize the warning signs and who to look for,” says the pediatrician, who also suggests making consultations more frequent when risk factors are observed.

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In today’s difficult struggle with the digital life of children, Anna says that even a pediatrician can help. The medical profession dedicated to children and adolescents can also play an important social role in suicide prevention.

“The pediatrician must not only inform parents about the risks, but also provide tools to establish less harmful use, as well as promote awareness campaigns in schools, acting as information amplifiers”, concludes the specialist.

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Source: Terra

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