Comments on: Risk of suicide in young children

By: Nick's Mom

Nick's Mom — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:24:15 +0000

Mrs T Bridle….
I too have experienced that, except my son was a few months shy of being 7 years old. He was told from a bully at school he should kill himself. That particular bully has really done a number on my son who is now 9 almost 10 and as of yesterday started to write his first “suicide note”. Thankfully we have a good support system although it may not sound like it. His pediatrician, psychologist, teachers and other school personnel are all very supportive of not only him but our whole family. Definitely take your son seriously, mine is still alive today because I did!

By: Anthony Pisani

Anthony Pisani — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:07:15 +0000

What frightening words for a loving mummy to hear. I am glad you have made an appointment. Parents who listen and involve others to help can go a long way. Be patient. I hope you and your son find relief. My best, Tony

By: Mrs T Bridle

Mrs T Bridle — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:56:11 +0000

Last night my 8 year old son told me he had the very very strong feeling that he should swallow a large marble so he could die. He has never said anything to this effect ever. He also said it was a feeling he couldn”t control and he didn’t like. He wanted it to go away. I am so scared for him and have made an appointment for him to see a child counsellor. I do not understand where this has come from. I am taking it very seriously.

Any help or understanding would be much appreciated

A loving mummy

By: Anthony Pisani

Anthony Pisani — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:58:44 +0000

Overwhelmed mom: Thank you for sharing your experiences. I’m sure other people can relate to feelings you have. As I’m sure you can appreciate, I am not in a position to comment on whether or not son is getting the attention he needs, but I can encourage you to be proactive in sharing that concern with the professionals involved if you have not already.

All the best to you and your family.

By: overwhelmed mom

overwhelmed mom — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:22:37 +0000

I am a single parent of three. I am bipolar. The father of my two youngest is also bipolar and it’s rampant in both of our families. His brother, whom my kids were very close to, committed suicide about five months ago.

My oldest daughter, 17, is diagnosed with depression and shows strong signs of bipolar. My second oldest, 7, has generalized anxiety, also with strong signs of bipolar. My two girls are very good at letting me know they need or want help.

My five year old son tends to take the back seat…he’s the one I’m most concerned for. He’s recently been diagnosed as ADHD and was put on Methelyn (sp). Several people at his school have complimented his improvement and say he’s not going to the principle’s office as much…I didn’t know he was going. I’ve only heard of one occasion. Apparently, it’s been as much as daily. He’s gotten a lot of negative feedback from teachers, has lost his uncle to suicide and been separated from his father after reporting to me that his dad hit and kicked him.

Now, when he gets upset, he cries and says everyone hates him and he should just kill himself. Twice, he’s described ways of he would do it. We are in therapy, but all three kids are being seen by the same therapist and I’m worried he’s not getting the attention he needs.

By: Anthony Pisani

Anthony Pisani — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:40:08 +0000

Oh, Grammy. I’m so sorry your family is going through this painful time. I’m glad your granddaughter is in good hands. I hope she can stay connected with good helpers after the hospital.

It is not unusual to see “clues” in retrospect. It always easier to interpret behavior after the fact. Trained clinicians face the same difficulty, so you’re not alone. I’m glad your granddaughter is safe right now. My thoughts are with your family for the road ahead.

By: Grammy

Grammy — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:14:27 +0000

Our 8 year old granddaughter was admitted to a psychiatric hospital last Friday after attempting to kill herself. She has fluctuated between a deep depressive state and an alternate bizarre manicial state. She has been diagnosised as bipolar and only now are we all (parents, family, friends) only now recognizing so many clues that we failed to pick up on. She is extremely bright and verbal well beyond her years, sensitive to pain of others to an astounding degree and internalized all of those pains – real and preceived. Being unable to make the pains better caused “her mind to go away” as she put it. Thank God for practitioners and medications. She is responding well to medication and talk therapy but our family’s normal has shifted dramatically for the rest of our lives.

By: Anthony Pisani

Anthony Pisani — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:53:28 +0000

Thank you for sharing this insight. Many people think about suicide as a way to avoid pain of one sort or another. As one person who recovered from suicide once told me, “I never wanted to kill myself. I just wanted to kill the pain.” The encouraging news is that we know from lots of experience that there are other ways to recover from or escape pain–even the most intolerable pain. When you’re in it, it’s very difficult to believe it, and some people don’t wait long enough to find out, but I can give case examples of people who felt as low as a person could possibly feel and who survived and have gone on to live peaceful, productive lives.
Thank you for your comment.
Tony

By: child

child — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:37:22 +0000

I was physically abused since I was very young and for about 15 years. I remember contemplating suicide for the first time when I was 6. I don’t remember feeling sad. I remember thinking of suicide as a way to get out of the painful beatings. I still think about suicide without getting depressed.

By: Anthony Pisani

Anthony Pisani — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:59:13 +0000

Dan, I am sorry for what must have been (still is) a long and painful journey. Thank you for sharing it here. I think it can be helpful to others, including clinicians who work with children. The number of deaths among young children may be very low, but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss suicidal themes in young children. On the contrary, while near-term death is not likely, we need to be attuned to what early suicidal thinking might mean for the long-term needs of the child. You are generous to share this poignant illustration of that. Tony