Rogers Behavioral Health corrects misconceptions on suicide for World Suicide Prevention Day
(Oconomowoc, WI) As COVID-19 continues to take a toll on mental health across the country, increasing awareness about suicide prevention and clearing up misconceptions is critical.
“Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day, so it’s a great opportunity to bring this leading health crisis into the spotlight,” says Nancy Goranson, PsyD, attending psychologist overseeing clinical care for children and teens at Rogers’ West Allis campus. “The pandemic is adding a lot of stressors for everyone. Some children are feeling hopeless and uncertain about their futures, and maybe even feeling unsafe. Community and national events are affecting their mental health, too. The good thing is, there are more conversations happening around mental health.”
Common misconceptions about suicide
Katie Brindowski, therapist in the DBT Mental Health Recovery program for early adolescents in West Allis, shares common misconceptions about suicide.
- Young children don’t die by suicide. People think children don’t know what they’re doing or couldn’t possibly take their lives, but suicide is actually on the rise for kids as young as five to 12 years old.
- Talking about suicide increases the chances of it. Research shows that is false. Talking about it allows a person who may have suicidal thoughts to rethink their options and get support, and it reduces the stigma around it.
- Suicide happens without warning. Someone thinking about suicide often gives clues either verbally or through their behaviors. Sadly, these can be overlooked or dismissed.
- People who take their lives are selfish. People who die by suicide just want their suffering to end and see it as the best and only option for doing that.
- High achievers aren’t at risk. The perfectionists, the kids who ace every test and class, the star of the basketball team—they are often seen as mentally and emotionally stable. Sometimes, holding yourself to high standards all the time or living in a high-achieving family can feel like a lot of pressure. It can be easy to miss the warning signs with this group.
Warning signs of suicide
- Talks about suicide
- Writes about suicide
- Writes goodbye letters
- Does online research about suicide
- Engages in self-harm or reckless behavior
- Loses interest in usual activities, withdraws
- Expresses feeling like a burden
- Experiences a loss or threat of a loss
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Changes in sleep
- Experiences mood swings
- Stockpiles medication
- Experiences “amazing reversal” of depression to suddenly being at peace
“If someone you love is thinking about suicide, listen and be present,” says Brindowski. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Validate how they’re feeling, offer support, and remove any means to suicide like chemicals, medications, and sharp objects, which significantly reduces the risk of suicide.”
Dr. Goranson adds, “Don’t panic or get upset. Stay calm. Approach the conversation with open curiosity. Say things like ‘Tell me more about it. It sounds like you have been feeling sad for a while.’ Let the person guide the conversation. Don’t make them feel guilty for talking about it. Instead, say you’re glad they told you, that coming to you took courage and give them hope for the future that things will get better. And most importantly, assist them in getting help immediately.”
Resources for suicide prevention
Dr. Goranson shares several resources for suicide prevention:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741 741
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBT National Help Center: 888-843-4564
Rogers offers evidence-based treatment
Rogers’ multi-disciplinary teams offer compassionate care for children, teens, and adults across the country.
“Our team of experts specializes in helping kids who are depressed and have suicidal thoughts,” says Dr. Goranson. “Our evidence-based treatment has demonstrated outcomes that work. Our staff listens and help normalize what kids are feeling. They’re not uncomfortable or afraid of talking about the issues the kids come in with. Children see other kids at different stages of healing, they see others who have overcome, and it gives them hope.”
Brindowski says, “We know COVID-19 is taking a toll. It’s been a tough time for everyone. We are here, and we want to help.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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