Mental Health and Suicide in Teens

Mental Health & Suicide IN TEENS

a mother’s note

by Angela Drake

I am and always will be a mother of two amazing girls: Brittany and Brianna. Brittany’s battle through mental health was long and hard from the inside, but she was the All-American girl from the outside. She was everyone’s best friend, an honor roll student, a star athlete, and an overachiever in everything she did. She had a laugh that could start a million laughs and a smile to light up a room.

Brittany began to self-harm and struggle in middle school, and she was an expert at hiding her pain from everyone. She would always send the world positivity and struggle to accept it for herself. She battled the darkness within herself for years. We were very fortunate to have support but still fought through some stigma. It was hard for people to grasp that an All-American girl could be struggling within herself. To the world, she had everything; she was beautiful, intelligent, seemed to have everything going for her. This was always frustrating to explain to people that didn’t understand mental health. Thankfully, we had the love and support of our family and her teammates near and far through it all. The stigma is real for support after mental health care, but there is a line 100 miles long of support for when someone dies by suicide.

We fought it as a family together with everything we had. Sadly, it wasn’t enough, and after 17 years, 11 months, and 24 days Brittany lost her battle with her mental health condition and took her life. Navigating life without Brittany has changed our family. We are nearing six years without her here on earth. Often it is like yesterday, and sometimes it’s like an eternity. Today we can laugh and not feel guilty; we can enjoy things and not hold back. I can use the pain and help others with their grief and start conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

I have learned to take care of myself, so I can best take care of others, but no matter what, I will forever stand in this world as a proud mother of two amazing girls, Brittany and Brianna. l

DISCUSSION IDEAS

If you or someone in your family is struggling with their mental health, here are discussion ideas and signs of struggles.

• Use examples of why you are concerned and ask if

they are ok privately. They may not be ready to talk about it, but they will know you are a trusted adult and can come to you when they are.

• Don’t be afraid to ask directly about

suicide or self-harm. We would rather they talk about it than act on it.

• Stay connected. Make sure they always have the 800-273-8755 lifeline and 741-741 texting numbers in their phones.

• Do not shame their feelings with dismissal. (i.e., “you have it so easy,”

“you will be just fine,” “this will just pass”)

WARNING SIGNS

Signs of Mental Health Struggles:

• Common signs: depression, withdrawing, sleeping, giving things away, being very emotional. It may also look like anger, risky adventures, drug or alcohol use, lack of caution, internet or google searches, or even overzealous behavior.

• Subtle words: “go on without me,

I’m just a burden anyway,” “I just feel so trapped,” “I have no reason to be here anymore.”

‘HOOD EXTRA

More ideas, tips for grieving through suicide loss, and links to resources can be found online at thehoodmagazine.com.

Is it Sensory or . . . Something else?

Is your child impulsive, disorganized, anxious, distracted or angry? Sensory processing issues can be a stand-alone struggle or just part of another condition. Don’t worry, LifeScape can help! We’ve got: • 35 Years of Experience • Access to Expansive Treatment Spaces • Every Level of Care Needed • Convenient Locations • After-School Hours Available

For Questions or Referrals Call 605.444.9700

www.LifeScapeSD.org

YOU TALK. WE LISTEN.

Southeastern is here to help. Call today. (605) 336-0510

southeasternbh.org 2000 South Summit Avenue | Sioux Falls, SD 57103