Preventing Teen Suicides: What Parents Can Do to Help
Today, I woke up to this headline on my phone.
Vijay Antony, a renowned Actor and Composer, lost his daughter Meera, today as she tragically ended her life at their home in Chennai at 3 AM. She was discovered hanging from the ceiling of her bedroom and was a student of Class 12 at a private school in Chennai. Her tragic decision is unknown; the police are investigating the issue. In his previous interviews, Vijay has also sadly disclosed how he lost his father to depression at 7.
Vijay Antony, a multifaceted artist known for his many contributions to the Tamil entertainment industry, had recently organized a highly successful concert in Chennai and was preparing for the premiere of his forthcoming film, ‘Raththam.’ Many celebrities from the South Film industry have offered grievances to the family in person and on their social media handles.
Meera’s tragic loss highlights the issues that affect many young students today — the challenges of Teenage Stress and the most misunderstood topic: Depression.
Source: Filmibeat
Teenage stress can manifest in various forms, ranging from academic pressures to social anxieties, and often remains hidden until it escalates to a breaking point. Therefore, parents, educators, and society must identify the signs of stress in teenagers and offer them the necessary support and resources to cope. The following are a few tips that parents can do to help.
1. Recognize the Signs
First, notice signs like withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Look for symptoms like sadness, anger, irritability, hopelessness, and significant behavior shifts like isolation, mood swings, or academic decline.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Learn how to actively listen to your child, which involves giving them your full attention, asking clarifying questions, and validating their emotions. This helps your teenager feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Do not hesitate to ask them about their emotional well-being occasionally or if they have any negative thoughts.
3. Identify Sources of Stress
Understand the sources of stress in your teen’s life, such as academic pressure, social challenges, or family issues. If your teen wishes to know how to cope with them, you can suggest exercise, relaxation techniques, or creative outlets.
Also, encourage a balanced approach to things and help them relax. Keep tabs on your teen’s online activities, including social media interactions, to identify potential cyberbullying issues. Educate your child about responsible internet use, including reporting online harassment or threats.
4. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you notice any signs of depression or suicidal thoughts in your teenager, do not hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Learn about the benefits of therapy as it serves as a safe space for expression and coping strategies.
5. Involve Teachers and Friends
Collaborate with your child’s school to involve teachers and counselors in monitoring your teen’s well-being and addressing academic or emotional concerns. Encourage your teen to have healthy friendships that help them maintain positive peer relationships and be a valuable support system. Also, join support groups of parents who deal with similar challenges as it can help share experiences and receive advice.
6. Promote Self-Esteem and Resilience
Help your teenager build a positive self-image by acknowledging their strengths and achievements. Equip your child with resilience skills to bounce back from setbacks and navigate life’s difficulties with a positive mindset. Make them understand that self-worth is not solely dependent on external achievements but value themselves for who they are.
Final Thoughts
Meera’s sad passing has left a big emptiness in her family, friends, and fans’ hearts. It reminds us how important it is to help teenagers with stress and mental health problems through a collaborative effort between parents, children, and the community. While looking into what happened to her, we must also consider the tough challenges students face in today’s competitive world.
By being informed and proactive, staying vigilant, having open communication, and seeking professional help, parents can play a vital role in safeguarding their child’s mental health and well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; support is always available.
