Bradley Hospital Parenting Guide:
Depression and Suicide
How Parents Can Help
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If you are concerned or worried that suicide
is a possibility, call a mental health professional for
an assessment. Bradley Hospital is especially well
qualified, with experts in children's mental and
emotional health.
Call anytime
401-432-1000 |
Parents sometimes unintentionally add to a child's
depression. However, blaming yourself is not productive. Even
parents who pay close attention to their children's behavior can
miss signs of vulnerability, and professionals have difficulty
at times.
Following these steps, on an ongoing basis, can help:
- Talk to your children and try to understand their feelings.
- Listen when they want to talk, and take them seriously.
- Show love and concern openly so there is little chance that
your feelings will be mistaken.
- Trust your instinct. If you sense something is wrong, ask
your child directly about your suspicion.
- Build your child's self-esteem with complimentary words and
actions as positive reinforcement.
- Do not dismiss disruptive behavior as attention-seeking.
Check out the underlying cause.
- Do not discount your child's negative feelings. Saying
"you shouldn't feel that way" rarely helps.
- Do not let fear make you silent. Talk to your child.
Depression can lead to suicidal
behavior 
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