Suicide Prevention Month: The challenges of parenting a teen with suicidal thoughts
Sadag's Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha says parents should approach conversations about their children's wellbeing with genuine attention and openness.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, eradicating stigma, and promoting prevention efforts. Communities, organizations, and government agencies participate in this month to shed light on warning signs, share resources, and encourage open conversations about mental health. The term "suicide" can be distressing for individuals who have experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide.
It is crucial to recognize that suicide does not only impact adults; children are also susceptible. In South Africa, the youngest person known to have died by suicide was a six-year-old child. This highlights the importance of identifying signs of distress early in children. Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, the project manager for education at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), spoke about the challenges of parenting a child who experiences suicidal thoughts.
She emphasized the significance of investing in conversations with loved ones, urging people to ask the question, "How are you?" genuinely and attentively. Parbhoo-Seetha advised that people often hide their struggles behind laughter, smiles, jokes, and closed doors, making it essential to listen to their responses.
Every conversation matters, and each day should be an opportunity to focus on suicide prevention. Parbhoo-Seetha also shared that a person experiencing intense emotional pain might initially appear calmer after deciding to end their pain. However, it is crucial to recognize that sometimes these signs may not be apparent.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
