Counseling is such a wonderful tool when you are grieving! So I encourage you to seek out professional help for both yourself and for your child! And as you try to go about your life, here are a few helpful strategies: (There really are so many more…and the following ideas can also help children who […]

My heart, my thoughts and my prayers go out to Brandon Crisp’s family and friends…and to everyone who was involved in the search for him. (Brandon was the fifteen-year-old Canadian boy who took off from his home three and a half weeks ago…and disappeared.) There had been no trace of his whereabouts…that is until his […]

Did you know that most people who commit suicide have depression? And did you know that suicidal people often don’t even realize they are depressed?! And, did you also know that depressed people don’t really think about the fact that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem? (They don’t think about it in […]

You may be struggling with the mistaken belief that someone’s death was your fault. (“If only I had stopped him/her.” “I should have seen it coming.” “I upset him/her.” “I pushed him/her too hard.” “I should have got him/her help.” “I should have paid more attention.” …) Please know that there are a lot of […]

Often suicidal teens want someone (an informed friend) who understands and who will listen as they talk—someone who truly listens and doesn’t give solutions or advice! “You don’t seem to be like your old self.” “I’m listening if you want to talk.” “I’m not sure what I can do to help, but I’ll try.” “I […]

In my last Blog I discussed talking to teens, adolescents and friends if you suspect they might be suicidal. Here are some questions you can ask to find out just what their suicidal intentions are: “You’ve been talking about suicide a lot lately—are things getting so bad that you are thinking about killing yourself?” (Often […]

It may seem scary and awkward to talk to someone whom you think might be suicidal. You can say something like: “You don’t seem to be like your old self.” (Use whatever language is most comfortable and natural.) If you show concern and are open and direct, you can often ask questions and might receive […]

Suicide attempts by teens usually don’t happen without some signs that indicate something is wrong. So be alert to early clues, signals and intentions—even after it seems the worst is over a person can still have made the decision to commit suicide. Take attempts and fatalistic statements seriously. (Remember, accidents do happen!) Here is a […]