LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States ages 10 to 24, and Allen County’s rates are higher than most counties in Ohio. If you think a child is struggling with their mental health, you may not know how to start the conversation with them. The Allen County Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition says parents should speak up when they notice changes in their child’s behavior, emotions or social habits.
“When parents are concerned about changes they are seeing in their child, conversations are necessary to help understand what they are experiencing. Bringing up the topic without the interruption of tv or phones will create an intentionally focused space. Let them know what you’ve noticed that caused your concern and ask specifically about those concerns, like "I've noticed you haven't been hanging out with friends lately. What's been going on?” says Joann Rosengarten, PASS Prevention Specialist.
“Have conversations with your children are when you're doing something that's on common grounds, such as going out for a walk, maybe doing the dishes, or being in the car together. You don't want to do it at the dinner table, where it's confrontational, where you're sitting directly across from them, asking them questions. You want to keep it to open ended questions, to have them explain their feelings and thoughts, let them know that those are totally normal feelings to have,” says Michelle Kalnins, Focus Group Participant.
Parents should remind kids that getting mental health help is no different than seeing a doctor when they’re not feeling well. Plus, they need to give them space to talk without interrupting.
“Allow your child to share their thoughts completely, then repeat back what you heard to show understanding and to get the story straight. Emphasize that these feelings are temporary. Validate their feelings, instead of saying "you're fine," say "That sounds really hard," or "It makes sense that you feel that way". Instead of jumping immediately to solutions, ask them, "Would you like me to just listen, or could I share some ideas?". And, if we are reacting with shock, disbelief or anger about what they are telling us, it will often shut the conversation down,” adds Rosengarten.
