Youth suicide prevention: Live web chat transcript

Welcome to today’s health chat on the subject of “youth suicide prevention.” You can ask your questions now.

Joining us today is family counselor and expert on the topic, Aditi Dutt. She teaches professional workshops for Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital on many topics that affect youth ..

These include such issues as BULLYING, PREDATOR SAFETY, and parenting classes.

Aditi Dutt — please let readers know when you’re online and ready to answer their questions.

The topic of youth suicide is a very difficult one. Today is an opportunity for readers to ask questions about the warning signs and prevention strategies.

While we’re waiting for Aditi Dutt, I will tell you about an upcoming workshop sponsored by Bon Secours Family Focus program. It is on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, 2 Bernadine Drive, Newport News.

For information about the FREE seminar on Nov. 1, call 886-6511 and talk to Delores Price, or email [email protected].

I’m ready….

Great. Welcome Aditi.

Welcome everyone

I’ll ask the first question. Could you tell us some of the warning signs in youth — and if there’s any difference in ages — for the threat of suicide.

Readers — we are talking to Aditi Dutt, family counselor and expert in youth suicide prevention. Ask your questions in confidence now.

Suicide is seen most in youth 10-24 years old & in white males over 65

The risk of suicide increases if the person had already attempted suicide….

It seems to be very high in our miltary with symptoms of PTSD….

Are there any particular triggers in youth – those as young as 10, that seems incredible

If the person has mental health problems or a family history of such (especially auditory hallucinations…..hearing voices)…

Bullying ….

Always help the child solve the problem with open communication………

Should a child be encouraged to tell a teacher? Or does that result in more bullying?

The child should always tell an adult

Readers: we are talking to Aditi Dutt, a family counselor who specializes in youth suicide prevention and bullying prevention. Ask your questions now.

Are there techniques that a child can use to stand up to verbal abuse or counter it?

Always make sure that you are not confrontational with the bully…

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital is sponsoring a youth suicide prevention seminar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. It’s free and open to the public.

The number of bystanders makes a difference. Make sure people are not present to “egg” the bully on

For information on the seminar, call 886-6511.

if a child makes excuses to miss school or has stress symptoms like continuous aches & pains

How can you get a child to open up about being bullied? Are there particular questions to ask? ALSO, how can you stop your own child from being a bully.

if a child does not want to play with his friends in the neighborhood but rather chooses to be in his room for long periods of time

Increase your child’s self-esteem by showing him respect everyday. Otherwise he’ll choose to demand respect by bullying

If your child is being bullied, what are the appropriate steps for a parent to take?

First go to the principal if it is happening in school. If this doesn’t solve the problem go to the school board

Do any schools have anti-bullying programs that you know about?

if it is happening in the neighborhood then go to the cops

most schools in the tidewater area are becoming mor & more aware of the bullying epidemic & are putting in teacher trainings to watch out for the problem

Readers, we are talking to Aditi Dutt, family counselor, who specializes in bullying and youth suicide prevention. Ask your questions in confidence now.

always do random checks onn your child’s computer activity, get all his passwords

make sure your computer is in a public place like a family room

check your child’s text messages

That’s an excellent suggestion. What is appropriate access to phone/computer etc. at different ages?

after all homework has been completed, then computer usage with parental controls

How do you balance privacy rights and checking behind a child; what about the charge that “you don’t trust them” etc.

children can use parent’s phones thru’ elementary school

learn the latest technology of how to check for cookies on computer usage

Where do you see the most bullying? Is it in person or more often electronic?

probably electronic because of anonymity

in person bullying can be caught by administrators or caring neighbors

it is always better to be safe than sorry so please check out every threat

If someone is scaring you with the way they talk, where can you get help?

Readers: We have just a few minutes left for you to ask your questions about youth suicide prevention. All questions are in complete confidence.

There are many resources 1-800 suicide

www.preventsuicideva.org

www.suicidology.org

If you call that 800 number do you get a real person on the line?

american foundation for suicide prevention
www.afsp.org

it’s an automatic transfer to local certified crisis center

Could you tell readers a few warning signs in youth that should not be ignored. And then, what they should do. Call a family doctor? therapist?

About privacy rights remember that children’s rooms should be monitored randomly to make sure that they are not being good in school just to cover up another problem deeper

I’m not sure what “choking” is. Could you clarify in your answer. Thanks.

choking has been going on long before but we are just becoming aware of it

choking is when children choke themselves or somebody else for a sexual thrill

I thnk the whole medication issue is a major one — especially with children. Any further comments on that?

I think children are not being told about the hazards of choking, only the thrills

Also, I know we are running out of time, but if you could give top 3 warning signs of trouble and what recourse parents/adults have.

always change a child’s diet first before putting a child on medication

a lot of our current problems are because of the diet we eat

Interesting — so reducing/eliminating sugars? Anything else that you recommend in that department?

loses interest in things he used to have fun doing
sleeps too much or too little
gives away important possessions

foods containing dyes. read labels

And what should concerned adult/friend do if they observe these behaviors?

mental illnesses & suicide is not as common in countries with healthier & fresher diets & lesser chemicals & preservatives

This is our last question. After Aditi Dutt, family counselor, has answered these, I will close the chat. Thanks Aditi

I wouldn’t say most but some bullies have been bullied before

Sometimes bullies have very elated narcissistic behavior

A reminder: Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital is hosting a free seminar on the topic of Youth Suicide Prevention from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. 886-6511 for information.

Join us every Wednesday at noon at dailypress.com for live health chat. On Nov. 2 – chiropractic care.

Aditi — I have to close the chat now. Thanks for your participation!