Hello Mi Neighbour | How to abort the practice of children committing suicide

Sad! Sad! Sad! Our children are killing themselves! Could it be a result of the abuse, misuse, bullying, and rejection they have been experiencing? Are members of the adult population among the chief perpetrators? Is it because they have no or low coping skills? Can the adult population do anything to turn the tide? What can you do to prevent that child from making the news this evening as a suicide victim?

Childbearing is a multifaceted exp erience that encompasses the emotional, spiritual, and physical facets of life. “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” Especially, if that child is born without any blemish. Celebrate whether or not!

The arrival of a new life, a gift from God, is filled with promise and is entrusted to parents to nurture and “train”. The process is often supported by family, friends, and community, emphasising the importance of interpersonal relationships. “Children are a heritage from the Lord” and must be treated as such. As parents plan for their children’s development and success in life, seldom does it cross their minds that these children could become murderers, robbers, or suicide victims! But something went wrong or was not nipped in the bud!

CHILDHOOD SUICIDE

As we look at the rate of childhood suicide nowadays, it is becoming more and more evident that parents and the society at large have work to do. We must answer the question why children commit suicide and how to “abort“ this evil practice. Children who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other disorders are at the risk of committing suicide. If they are bullied, whether at home, church, or school, it can be fatal! If the trauma of premature sex and physical abuse, inclusive of neglect and domestic violence, does not kill them, it could cause them to kill themselves. And yes, your bundle of joy who came into the world a few years ago has done the unthinkable! Sad. Please note that constant fuss between you and your spouse can cause your child to commit suicide! Save your child! Please!

Do you think that parents who fight in the presence of their children should be thrown in jail!

Research shows that excessive academic stress and pressure to perform, substance abuse, identity confusion, and ccess to firearms can increase a child’s risk of suicidal behaviour.

So how do we prevent childhood suicide, purported to be the leading cause of death among the five to 11 age group in some countries?

· Create a supportive and loving environment where communication is easy.

· Recognise negative changes in behaviour, mood, or appetite, and share them with a professional who can assist with restoration.

· Secure firearms and other potential means of self-harm.

· Ensure a balanced diet: spiritual/nutritional/physical

· Stay connected to your children’s social connections and pay strict/loving attention to their online activities.

· Help your child to develop problem-solving skills and stress-management techniques

Do the hard work and save your child. The loss of a child can lead to overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, despair, feelings of helplessness, and a deep sense of loss that can linger for years - even leading to your own demise! But there is hope. Connecting with support groups, friends, or family, praying, can provide comfort and understanding during this difficult time.

Before going, let us pray for our children who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts at the moment:

D ear Heavenly Father, I pray for all children who are struggling with feelings of hopelessness and despair. Surround them with your love and comfort. Give them the strength to reach out for help and to know that they are not alone. Guide them towards trusted adults, friends, and resources that can support them. For families and loved ones, grant them wisdom, patience, and compassion as they support their children through difficult times. Help them to listen without judgement and to offer unconditional love.

Amen

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To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or 876 884-3866 Email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com.Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.