Suicide signs parents should look out for in their children

Mental Health Awareness Week is here to remind parents to be keen about the mental wellness of their children to avoid suicide. 

Parents should look out for signs such as mood swings, changes in appearance or personality, long-lasting sadness, sudden rage, indulgence in self-harming behaviorlike alcohol or drug abuse, a deep sense of hopelessness, suicide threats, unexpected withdrawal from social activities and friends family, and sleep problems. 

Furthermore, if the child has experienced the death of a loved one or any serious trauma, they might drift into a deep sense of hopelessness which breeds suicidal thoughts. 

According to global statistics, suicide is the leading cause of death among young students. 

Conversations about suicide are the most difficult ones for most people. Life's uncertainties and challenges, particularly during disastrous situations like the Covid-19 pandemic, take a toll on people's mental status. 

School-going teenagers need support from friends, parents, and teachers, since they interact with them frequently. Therefore, parents and teachers should initiate conversations about suicide when they interact with teenagers. 

Therefore, parents should take any threats about suicide seriously, and follow up with their children's teachers, maintain consistent communication with them. 

Parents and teachers should encourage students to speak up when they feel overwhelmed. They should also purpose to learn more about suicide and share information about it widely to raise awareness. 

They will be able to prevent suicide with their concerted efforts towards identifying suicide signs among young people.