Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people, and 34% of youth report being cyberbullied at least one time. https://meganmeierfoundation.org/statistics
When a person takes their own life, the survivors are left not only with the death of a loved one but often the trauma associated with it. People do not know how to respond to suicide, survivors are often met with statements such as, "Its not your fault." or "You probably couldn't tell." Primarily because this is what is often said on media.
Unfortunately, this is seldom the case. Most of the time, family members and loved ones had some sort of feeling that something wasn't right. Whether it be an inkling, an argument, or out and out threats, usually there is something that precedes that final act.
When I discovered that my child had attempted suicide, It fulfilled a longtime fear of mine. I worried that someday I would walk into his room and find him deceased. He has struggled with intense anger for many years. His behavioral problems were so extreme that he was not only hospitalized but was sent to the best behavioral hospital in the world.
No matter the amount of therapy, medication, and interventions, we still dealt with the fact that he was so distraught that he felt the only option was to end his pain.
When people take their own lives, it is usually to end ongoing emotional pain, shame, or distress. Sometimes it is from mental health issues, but more often than not, it is because of external influences, such as bullying.
In October 2019, the Wall Street Journal published an article that stated that youth (children ages 10-14) suicide rates have increased by 56% in the last ten years.
As parents, that number should alarm you!
Cell phone devices and the constant posting on social media have increased bullying, especially in the younger populations. Bullying is not a new concept. However, now, with instant access, anyone with bad intentions can jump on the bandwagon and shame someone, and quite often it is someone they don't even know.
I am glad that people did not have electronic devices when I was growing up. I did some pretty embarrassing things, and I can only imagine if the evidence was plastered on social media for all to see and comment on.
We, as parents and guardians, need to sit our children down and talk frankly about suicide and how it affects the people who are left behind. The untimely death of a loved one is hard enough to deal with, but suicide leaves a stain on the survivor's memory for decades.
We also need to be available to our children. Many times my children want to talk about something, and usually, the timing is not perfect. I have to set aside what I am doing and make time for them. This small act shows my child that what he is saying is meaningful to me. That his thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter. It truly doesn't matter if what I am doing at the time is of utmost importance, but in the grand scheme of things, my children's lives are more valuable than anything that is taking up my time and energy.
Let's start this next ten years off with new trends for our children!
If you know someone who is contemplating suicide ask them! Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Do not be afraid to get them the help that they need.
Much love and God bless you!❤️🙏
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