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There are a number of symptoms
or situations indicating an elevated risk
of suicide:
• Male gender.
• Past puberty.
• Parents separated.
• Using drugs or alcohol.
• Depressed.
• Lost girlfriend or boyfriend.
• History of abuse.
• History of violence in the family.
• Clear plan of action.
• Method potentially fatal.
• Hearing voices ordering suicide.
• Previous suicidal behaviour.
• Close friend or relative committed
suicide.
Parents are often aware of many of
these symptoms or situations. If they
can discuss the situation in a constructive
manner, suicide potential can
often be reduced.
Of special concern are the early
symptoms of depression that may have
led the child to a decision to commit
suicide. Pre-suicidal behaviour may
include giving away personal possessions
and sudden serenity in mood. In
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Moffett, an RN who earned her Bachelor of Nursing
Sciences Degree and an MA from the University of
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this case, the child has made a decision
to end his or her life and so feels
relieved since death is imminent.
How to Respond to
Suicidal Behaviour
You can argue why living is better
than dying, but these don’t carry much
weight for a depressed child. However,
the caring nature of the professional’s
response does. In some small way, the
child might be aware that he or she is
seeking a permanent solution to a set of
terrible but temporary problems. It is
worth explaining that the child’s death
will hurt all of those friends and family
members who love them — not just
those they are currently angry at.
Sometimes responding to a child’s
determination to overcome their pain
and anger strikes a chord. Those who are
very angry and resentful need to know
that the best revenge is to live well. They
need to hear that they have an obligation
to try everything to make life better
before they give up and that during this
effort to live better they won’t be alone.
Clearly the goal of this type of argument
Private Duty
Nursing Care
Home Health
Care Services
Gaye E. Moffett
R.N., B.ScN., M.Ed.
Founder, President & CEO
GEM Health
Care Services
is Quality
Assured
FRANCHISES AVAILABLE
Due West Magazine • Page 54 • Fall 2008
is to let them know that their cry of help
has been heard and that they will have
allies in making their lives better.
Occasionally a suicide gesture
reveals a strong desire to change an
unhappy situation in a very immature
way. For example, a child who threat-
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