(MOBILE, Ala.) In this week's Working Mom segment, we're dealing with a subject a lot of parents don't want to talk about: teen suicide. Unfortunately it's on the rise.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers in this country. Linda Colcough is a certified counselor she says the numbers continue to rise because teens are exposed to more adult issues these days, issues their minds can't always process.
"More sexuality, economic criss, unemployment, more pressure on family in general that compound anxiety and depression," she said.
Because life for the family seems so much more hectic than it was 20 or 30 years ago, some signs of depression can go unnoticed by parents, especially when they're so busy working just trying to put food on the table for their families. That's why Colcough says it's important to stop and talk and listen to your children.
"Be a good listener. Listen for changes in emotions, friends, sleeping patterns, how they're interacting with peers, changes in grades. Any significant changes you want to be aware of," she said.
Colcough says get to know your kids friends and teachers so they too can let you know if there are changes in you child you may not see in the home to try to help your child before it's too late.
A suicide prevention walk will be held in Daphne Oct. 21 to bring awareness to the seriousness of teen and adult suicide. It will start at City Hall. Registration will begin at 1 p.m.
For more parenting tips, be sure to pick up the latest edition of Mobile Bay or Eastern Shore Parents Magazine.
