There has been a spike in the number of suicides in this country. What we all need to know is that the increases are across all ages, all levels of SES and races/genders. It is at ITS HIGHEST LEVELS IN MORE THAN 25 YEARS. Teens and especially females and young women are committing suicide at an alarming rate. Please consider when and how often you allow your kids to have access to “smart” phones and computers—-where there is a tremendous amount of flack thrown at others. It is hard for an adult to handle negative and potentially abusive posts/comments BUT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR A YOUNG KID OR TWEEN TO KNOW HOW TO DO THIS. Internet access is as stressful and potentially dangerous as handling a firearm. In fact, parents are better at locking up and monitoring firearms than they are at monitoring internet usage.

Every age group since 1999 has seen a dramatic increase in suicide and the most troubling (not to imply that the lesser is least troubling) is young girls and women. Note that girls 10 – 14 have had a 3xs increase in suicide.

Please talk with and listen to your family and friends. Look for the signs of concern: loss of interest in others/activities; poor sleep; diet changes; agitation; drops in grades/work production, changes in friends/withdrawal, etc.

Next week: caring for ourselves to better prepare for caring for others.

I will continue these posts based on sharing/comments. Let me know if this is pertinent as we are all busy and I never want to waste anyone’s time. IF you find this valuable please share on your timeline.

Dr. Steven Atkins