Empowered Peace: September 2011

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

They talk about suicide. Even if it seems to be a joke.
They are having problems in school with bullies.
A change in personality.
They are using drugs and/or alcohol.
They give away their important belongings.
They write or journal about death.
Appearing depressed or sad most of the time.

National Suicide Prevention Help Line
1-800-suicide
1-800-784-2433

Resources for Suicide Prevention and Information

suicide.org

MedicineNet.org: Teens, Parents Underestimate Teen Suicide Risk

KidsHealth- from the health experts of Nemours

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Teen Suicide

American Academy of Pediatrics: Preventing Teen Suicide

photos via: health.ninemsn.com.au, the-parents-magazine.com, us.reachout.com, troubledteenhome.net via Google images

I feel such sadness remembering 9/11. Even as I write this article my eyes are filled with tears.

The days prior to this infamous anniversary, I debated if I would watch programs of the horrible footage. I struggled with even allowing my mind to ponder the somber realities of death and shattered lives.

In the end I decided I must be true to myself and my country. I am remembering 9/11 and it hurts like hell.

I think I am crying more today, then I did 10 years ago. 10 years ago it seemed that the world just stopped. The only thing I wanted was my daughter in my arms and to be in front of the television. As the years have passed our country has and continues to rebuild itself. I feel safer walking down the street, but I remember being frighted to open my mail or ofgoing into large public building. Time has a strange way of soothing pain and erasing fear.

If you are remembering 9/11 today it is okay to cry. It is okay to be angry and it is even okay to smile. Take your energy and put into something positive. Here are a few suggestions.