Teen suicide and role of caretakers · 2020-04-11 · Wrong advice Every major city has a cyber crime branch ... Avatars Club Penguin Moshi Monsters. Presidential Action Plan 2018-19

Precious Teens Precious LivesPresidential Action Plan 2018-19

Enhancing Teen Resilience Role of

Parents, Teachers, Caretakers

Mission


Objectives

• Empower parents, teachers and caretakers with skills for developing emotional wellbeing in adolescents

• Discuss flag signs of mental disorders, warning signs of suicide and steps for preventing suicide

• Impart digital parenting tips


Outline

• Parenting in the digital era

• Myths and facts about teen suicide

• Risk & protective factors

• Warning signs of suicide

• Responding to a teen in distress

• Suicide prevention


Last year, 14 year old Radha was excited to get a smartphone as her birthday gift. Since 2-3 months, she appearsto be worried and irritable. She has disturbed sleep andreduced appetite. Her teacher complained about heraloofness and poor concentration in the classroom.Radha wants to leave her hometown and go somewhereelse.1. What could be Radha’s problems?2. Can this be prevented?


Digital World&

Parents’ Role


The Need• Cyber use at all ages is on the rise

• Digital skills and ethics are rarely taught

• Teens are vulnerable to risks

• Cyber crimes are rampant and “predators” are growing

• Teens are moving away from homes, clueless

• Parents have less time, skills and patience

• Many teens avoid parents on social sites

It’s better to be safe than sorry


W -1– “Who” teenagers meet online ?W-2 – “What” they do online?W-3 – “Where” do they go online?

The W1 risks are:1. Stranger talk2. Bullying3. Bad advice4. Revenge porn

The W2 risks are:1. Cyber crimes2. Money loss3. Stress 4. Bullying

The W3 risks are:1. Porn addiction2. Risky Gaming3. Bullying4. Wrong advice

Every major city has a cyber crime branchDial 1098 if you are in trouble


Avatars

Club Penguin Moshi Monsters


Be a Web Wise Parent• Be vigilant but non-indulgent

• Use effective communication skills & be a role model.

• Follow the “WWW” formula.

• Mention digital hazards with emphasis on usefulness.

• Look for subtle signs of distress and consult if needed.

• Check teenager’s cyber world ; together.

• Upgrade yourself regularly.

• Formulate a family media plan together

• Ensure media free zones & media free time

Communicating with teenagers

Listen more.

Leaning towards.

Smiling.

Being interested.

Eye contact.

Touch.

Glancing at watch.

Looking around.

Frowning.

Being prejudiced.

Sitting with X arms.

Yawning.

Non-verbal

Verbal

Written


Case

Ritu (16 years) is a very bright student and wassent to Kota for JEE coaching but found it stressful.One day she told her father on phone that it isunbearable and she can’t take it any more.Parents insisted that she completes hercurriculum because she has bright prospects.Parents were shocked to know that Ritu tried toconsume sleeping pills.What was missed?


Teenage is a period of increased impulsivity without logical thinking


Myths

1. My child is safe.

2. My teenager tells me everything.

3. Teenagers rarely commit suicide.

4. Kids know how to take their own care.

5. I can’t do much for my teenager who stays elsewhere.

Facts

Any teenager is vulnerable.

You may not know their cyber circle or hidden stress.

Suicide is leading cause of death amongst teenagers.

Parents need to update and guide them regularly.

Distant parenting which can support and protect children is possible.


Myths

6. Talking about suicide can predispose suicide.

7. “I Wish to die”, is for attention seeking.

8. Today’s teens are fun loving, careless and stubborn.

9. Teenagers can solve their issues alone.

10. Everyone has stress today, so what?

Facts

Open discussion gives comfort to teenagers.

Every mention should be taken very seriously.

Today’s teenagers have tremendous stress which they may not disclose.

Teenagers need empathy, listening & guidance.

Coping with stress varies from person to person.


Deepak (15 years) comes from a lower middleclass family, feels anxious but thrilled to meetboys, and gets annoyed to see his alcoholicfather getting violent at home. He doesn’t knowwhom to consult. All his friends have fun.Deepak tries to manage but lately is thinkingabout ending his life like his elder sister.

1. What are the risk factors?2. Who can help Deepak?

Case


Risk Factors

Individual

Societal Family

and school


Two months ago Kajal’s boyfriend abandoned herand since then she felt lonely. Her teacherscomplained about her incomplete school work tothe parents. She lost her appetite, could not sleepwell and started smoking. Yesterday, she visited fewclose friends and relatives. She gifted her favoritewrist watch and paintings to her best friend, gaveher a warm hug and smiled tearfully.Today morning, Kajal jumped from 6th floor of hercollege building.1. Can this happen?2. What could have been done to save Kajal’s life?



Suicide – Warning signs• Verbalizing

• Acquiring means

• Feeling of hopelessness / unusual cheerfulness

• Self hatred

• Final preparations

• “Good bye”

• Social withdrawal

• High risk behaviors


Needs immediate

intervention.

Lasting beyond

two weeks.

Increasing in severity.

Affects sleep and appetite.

Worsens daily tasks.

Any Abnormal Behavior


Mental Health Issues

Mental health

disorderDepression

Anxiety

Thought disorder

Antisocial behavior

Drug abuse

Sexual abuse


Gaurav called his parents and cried over phone.He mentioned that he has failed in the finalexamination of engineering. He also added thathe has ruined the family’s reputation and has noright to live.

What should the parents do immediately?

Case

• Stay calm.

• Stay connected.S

• Understand teenager’s stress.

• Unlock emotions and allow ventilation of feelings.U

• Identify abnormal from normal.

• Involve local guardian if teenager is staying away. I

• Consult trained pediatrician or counselor.

• Contact helpline if there is no one available.C

• Induce positive behavior by discussing options.

• Inculcate family bonds and avoid preaching.

•

I• Drugs for mental health disorders

• Drug abuse prevention and management D

• Evaluate plan.

• Eliminate means for the attempt. E


Teen Suicide Prevention• Life skills education

• Enhancing resilience

• Nurturing connections

• Strong support system

• Restricting access to means

• Imbibing cultural and religious beliefs

• Timely consultation with health professionals


Resilient Teenagers

• Have capacity to handle changes or adversities

• Show optimal display of emotions and behavior

• Manage stress appropriately

• Have ability to choose from available options

• Do not have frustrations, anger and self loathing

• Can forgive self and others without distress

• Tend to be assertive and not aggressive


Building Resilience

Social and emotional learning

Cognitive behavioral approach

Positive psychology

Mindfulness approach


Building Resilience

• Set limits for acceptable behavior

• Say “No” assertively with proper explanation.

• Appreciate desirable behaviors and give responsibilities

• Encourage skills

• Have realistic expectations

• Teach that failures do happen and a single setback is not the end of the world

• Avoid constant criticism, nagging, too much preaching, humiliation and empty praise


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Specific Skills for Suicide Prevention

1. Self awareness2. Decision making3. Critical thinking4. Coping with stress5. Handling emotions6. Effective communication7. Nurturing relationships8. Personal safety9. Goal setting10. Wise use of resources

Disha had recent break-up. She is in her final yearof graduation and has a lot of academic backlog.She blames her boyfriend for her present agonyand wants to take revenge on him. She is puttingon weight and has lots of pimples recently.Disha’s friend suggested her to try new boyfriend,take alcohol and weed to feel better. She wasadvised to see a “guru” who will help her comeout of all the problems.1. What could be Disha’s main issue?2. What are the faulty ways of stress handling?


Stress Management

Life skills

Identify the stressor

Time management

Positive thinking

Self motivation

Behavior modification

Relaxation techniques


Faulty Ways of Handling Stress

AvoidanceRemaining detached

Smoking, drugs or alcohol

Wishful thinking

Bargaining with ‘Superpower’

Blaming others

Procrastination Harm to others Harm to self

Satisfaction with parental relationship.

Family connectedness.

Presence of at least one parent.

Moderate expectations by parents.

School connectedness.

Feeling of closeness to the teacher.

Impartial and compassionate teachers.

Emotionally compatible peers with similar interests.

Self confidence.

Well developed coping skills.

Interest in sports and cultural activities.

Moderate studying time (2-4 hours/day)

Involvement in family and religious activities

Recent advances in adolescent care 2014


Key Messages

• Adolescents need our stable support and guidance.

• Take professional help if you can’t handle the situation.

• Teenagers are priceless, and so is life.


ContributorsMission Kishore Uday 2018-19

• Dr Preeti M Galagali

• Dr Atul M Kanikar

• Dr Sushma P Desai

• Dr Chitra Dinakar

• Dr Latha R

• Dr Sandip K Trivedi

• Dr Harmesh S Bains

• Dr Somashekar AR

• Dr Sarala Premkumar

• Dr Poongodi Bala

Documents

Teen suicide and role of caretakers · 2020-04-11 · Wrong advice Every major city has a cyber crime branch ... Avatars Club Penguin Moshi Monsters. Presidential Action Plan 2018-19