Marshall says that parents can calmly note to their child that with everything going on, sometimes people feel hopeless and may want to end their life, and then ask, "I'm wondering if you've ever had those kinds of thoughts." How to talk about back-to-school anxiety Though specific descriptions of methods can contribute to contagion, asking if an adolescent feels suicidal doesn't increase their risk of an attempt. "It may also be a time to ask directly about suicide." "These are warning signs that tell us that this is a time to lean in a little bit more, to find out what's happening," says Marshall. If their mood shifts quickly and they become sad, angry, or agitated often, it could indicate they're not coping well. Their behavior might include sudden isolation, substance use, and searching online for ways to end their life. Credit: American Foundation for Suicide PreventionĪ teen might overtly say they want to end their life, but they could also be less direct by lamenting that life is pointless or that they have nothing to which they can look forward. Learning the warning signs for suicide risk can help parents intervene before a crisis. If they're experiencing an anxiety disorder, they may have a panic attack or refuse to attend school.ĭoreen Marshall, Ph.D., a psychologist and vice president of mission engagement for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, says that warning signs of suicide risk typically show up in three ways: talk, behavior, and mood. They may withdraw from social or family activities. Hoet says that children who are anxious about returning to school may develop physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. Warning signs of suicide risk you should know
But by watching for certain warning signs, engaging in nonjudgmental conversations, and acting swiftly if their child is severely distressed, parents can intervene before the situation becomes a crisis. This can feel daunting for parents, particularly those unaccustomed to discussing mental health with their children. "Whereas some children truly are feeling that hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, feeling like things won't get better, and those are the kids I worry about," she says.Įither way, it's critical that parents take such references seriously so they can determine the extent of their child's anxiety. A recent survey of 532 parents by On Our Sleeves, a national movement for children's mental health, found that 79 percent of respondents are worried about issues like bullying, racism and discrimination, school safety and violence, and ongoing challenges related to the pandemic.Ĩ online experiences linked to suicide in kids and teensĪriana Hoet, Ph.D., clinical director of On Our Sleeves and a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, says that when children make references to phrases like "back-to-school necklace," it's possible they're trying to express frustration but have no intention of harming themselves and do not feel suicidal. Whether teens are using this term as slang to offhandedly indicate they're not thrilled to go back or they're actively feeling suicidal about returning, it's clear that parents are worried about what their kids will experience this school year. If you're a student who found this story via that search term, please consider talking to a trusted friend or adult about your feelings, or consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.)
(Mashable isn't sharing more details about this term to avoid spreading suicide contagion to vulnerable readers. In some cases, a teen might be referencing despair or suicidal feelings about returning to school, similar to a meme that pairs the phrase "back-to-school necklace" with suicidal behavior.
One unexpected sign of this struggle could be offhand remarks about a "back-to-school necklace," or internet searches and social media posts related to the term. While back-to-school jitters are normal, intense fear or refusal to return are signals that your child needs additional emotional support. Adjustable string bracelet knot.> Life > Health & Wellness > Mental Healthĭepending on which student you talk to, back-to-school season may be a welcome shift back into a familiar routine with friends, an anxiety-provoking transition that raises fears about classwork, bullies, and school violence, or a complex combination of both.
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