Empowered Peace: Reality Check: Your Teenager Could Be Suicidal- A Reader's Request

The subject of suicide is usually discussed after a tragic event. The schools gather students, parents and counselor's together in an attempt to prevent lawsuits, follow protocol and to keep the loud opinionated parents quiet. This sounds cynical, but where were these sessions of love when the victim needed help? The schools and parents will say they were doing the best they could. "We have a tight budget and can only provide limited services." "We had to work and we did not know things were this bad." "I knew he was upset, but I thought he would be okay."

As a parent, I have to admit, suicide is a subject that has rarely been covered. I am a part of the majority and we think our children are perfect little angels. We think our children never swear, use drugs, drink or have sex behind our backs. It is this kind of thinking that puts our children in danger. It is this kind of thinking that approves school budgets without proper support for our children. It is this kind of thinking that makes it impossible to have honest conversations with ourselves, spouses, children, teachers and others. We walk around with blinders on as our children are crumbling right in front of our eyes.

Center for Disease Control, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (2009)

13.8% of high school students have seriously considered attempting suicide
26.1% of high school students felt sad or hopeless.
10.9% of high school students made a plan of how they were going to attempt suicide
6.3% of high school students actually attempted suicide

These statistics tell me parents and schools should be more proactive. Teenagers that do drugs and struggle with depression seem to be the likely suspects. However the research shows more and more lesbian and gay teenagers are turning to suicide.

What is the Problem?

Grades have become a greater concern than the emotional well-being or character building of our children. Parents compete and brag about the accomplishments of their children. Some parents are even compelled to lie and find it embarrassing when they perceive their children as inadequate. Schools are trying to maintain numbers and are focused on maintaining educational standards. But what about the children all this is being done for? Is the business of trying to elevate them alienating them? The spiritual and psycho-social development of our youth is being neglected.

If you do not see these videos, they must be viewed on the Empowered Peace Website

A video written and performed by this talented teen via youtube

Solutions

Family. Families are broken. Single parents, teen parents, grand parents raising their grandchildren do not have SUPPORT! The foundation of a family is two parents working together. Most families rely on two incomes, but if you have children try to sacrifice. One parent stay at home and create a home. If you are single you can still designate a family day. Eat dinner together without the television. It may seem awkward at first but your children will feel more loved. They will feel they are apart of something that matters.
Talk to schools and government. Let them know about your concerns and ask them what they are doing about the problem. Write letters to your senators and mayors about teen suicide. Create programs in school. For example, instead of having homeroom, have Homeroom. A class period that students have a safe place to discuss their problems on a daily basis.
Parents work out your emotional disconnections. You can have family time, but without a real space for emotional growth, it will not work. Parents look at yourselves and deal with your past hurts, insecurities and fears. As you heal, you can better handle the needs of your children.
God. Invite God into your family. There are some things man can not fix.

Signs a Teenager could be Suicidal