August 2010
In this 12 minute program Dr. Bulman covers many topics, including:
(times are approximate)
- The idea that suicide is caused only by stress is a mistaken assumption — more than 90% of kids who engage in suicidal behaviors have underlying mental health issues, most often depression, and/or rule-breaking behaviors combined with substance abuse issues (01:00)
- These mental health issues are treatable — incidents of death by suicide for kids have mostly declined over the past 15 yrs. or so and it’s thought that among the reasons for the decline are improvements in mental health treatment for kids (01:45)
- Don’t assume kids will tell you when they need help or that you’ll know if they are thinking about suicide (research shows that’s mostly not the case) (02:00)
- Regarding prevention: it’s very important for parents and others who interact with kids (e.g., teachers) to actively work on the relationship, keep lines of communication open, and be vigilant regarding signs of these underlying mental health issues — and get kids the help they need and deserve (02:30)
- Review signs of depression in kids/teens (03:00)
- Review acute warning signs that child/teen may be at risk for suicidal behaviors (acronym: IS PATH WARM) (05:00)
Ideation; are there indications they are thinking about suicide?
Substance abuse.Purposelessness; expressing that there is no reason to live.
Anxiety or agitation (and insomnia).
Trapped; feeling that there is no way out.
Hopelessness.Withdrawal from relationships.
Anger, rage, revenge-seeking.
Recklessness or risky behaviors.
Mood changes.
- Suicide prevention website: www.sprc.org (10:00)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline to connect with local crisis intervention services: 800-273-TALK (8255) (10:40)
- Importance of asking directly about suicidal thoughts, plans, behaviors (myth: asking can put a thought in someone’s head) (11:30)
- Other ways of getting referrals to local mental health professionals: friends/neighbors, school counselor, clergy, internet search: office of mental health new york state website
- Means restriction: this helps! Be careful regarding access to guns, medications, other lethal means
The “Wake Up Call” is WBAI’s morning drive-time news magazine. The show features coverage of local, national and global news, social and cultural issues, the arts – film, theater, exhibitions, literature, and events – and listener phone-ins. The focus is on social, economic and racial justice, human rights and peace. Voices and perspectives excluded from the mainstream media are included on these airwaves.
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You may also be interested in:
- This article from “About Town” (Summer 2010 issue), which also includes advice from Astor’s Dr. Bulman:
When a Young Life Hangs in the Balance — by Dorothy Dow Crane - Astor Services’ Teen Suicide Prevention White Paper by Suzanne Button, Ph.D., and Alice Linder, M.D.
- This page on our website contains a story about a Hudson Valley teen suicide, featuring a radio piece by WAMC including information from Astor Services.
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