September is Suicide Prevention Aareness Month

A Resource for Parents

National studies of the prevalence of mental health challenges in children have estimated that 12.8% of children have a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year.  Mental disorders usually begin in childhood or adolescence.  Early intervention will help prevent problems from becoming more serious and reduce the likelihood of secondary effects such as school dropout, relationship break-up, and drug and alcohol problems.

• Irritability 
• Anger or aggressive behavior
• Withdrawal or loss of interest in favorite activities 
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Mood swings 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Feelings of shame
• Excessive worry, anxiety, or panic attacks
• Changes in appetite or eating habits
• Marked decline in performance
• Increased absenteeism
• Withdrawal or isolation, difficulty trusting others
• Sudden or dramatic changes in behavior or appearance
• Drug or alcohol use
• Erratic, depressive, and other emotional or mental health symptoms
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• Engaging in self-harm
• Symptoms of trauma
• Inability to regulate emotions, crying often, or feeling emotionally numb
• Nightmares
• An interest in violence

Start the Conversation

A great place to begin is by approaching your child with your concerns.  Find a suitable time and space where both you and your child feel comfortable.  Listen non-judgmentally.  Assess for risk of suicide, homicide, or self-harm.  If so, get help from a professional immediately.  Throughout the conversation, give reassurance and information.  Try to note if there are any patterns of incidents or behavior.  Encourage appropriate professional help.  Given there are so many changes in physical development at this age, a great place to start is with your Family’s General Physician to ensure that your child is physically well.  That person will help you decide how to proceed.  Encourage self-help and the use of other support strategies when appropriate.

Mental Health Resources

Please know that your school’s counselors and social workers are always on your team.  Feel free to reach out for support and guidance at any time.  Here are some other resources that may prove useful:

• Emergency Room:  Can assist in evaluation and stabilization in a crisis situation.
• Dial 9-8-8 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
• Georgia Crisis & Access Line (Available 24/7):  (800)715-4225
• Gateway Behavioral Health Services: (800)715-4225 and (912)826-7469
• Recovery Place Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center: (912)494-2038 and (912)504-1179
• Coastal Harbor Treatment Center:  (844)657-2638 and (912)354-3911
• Saint Simons By-The-Sea:  (800)821-7224 and (912)638-1999

A list of more licensed professional counselors and organizations in the community that may be of help can be found on our School District’s website in the Social & Emotional Learning Section under “Community Resources.”