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Shock and Grief
The Impact of Teen Suicide By Johnathon Allen
Dr. Barton emphasizes that there are a number of things a parent can do if they believe their child is considering suicide. Aside from seeking immediate counseling, parents should also remove all dangerous weapons from the household, including knives, sleeping pills, ropes and especially guns.
When dealing with a potential suicide victim, experts unanimously agree that good and immediate communication is essential. "Parents should remind their distressed teens that no matter how awful his or her problems seem, it will work out, and they are willing to help," Dr. Barton says. "Ask them to talk about their feelings. Listen carefully. Do not dismiss their problems or get angry. If the early warning signs are there, suicide is certainly preventable, but it's very important that adults respond quickly with a high level of patience."
According to one study, 90 percent of suicidal teens say that no one in their families understood them or listened to their cries for help, so it is important that parents take time to listen and help their child understand that life is not as bad as it sometimes appears.
This truism is not lost on Goodman, who, in the two years since her son's tragic death, has done all she can to make sure no other teen ever feels there isn't anyone to talk to, including helping facilitate a teen suicide crisis hot line.
"It is very healing to help others deal with their stress and fears," Goodman says. "I feel like I'm giving something to David every time I take a call and talk to someone who feels like there's no other way out. I don't want any other parent to feel the pain that comes from losing a child to suicide. It makes me feel better to know that I'm helping save lives, but I still get up in the middle of the night to check on my own kids."