Do Parents Share Some Responsibility in Recent Teen Suicides?

Is there more parents can do to stop these tragedies? 

The recent spate of teen suicides is truly tragic. Whenever any child feels a need to end their life, it is a painful day for all parents.

But I can’t help but wonder if parents bear some responsibility in this trend. After all , it is our jobs to raise confident kids with strong self esteem. It is our job to teach our children to be above the influence of drugs, alcohol and bullies for that matter. It is our job to teach our children that no matter who says what about them, that they are truly strong, powerful, beautiful and worthy of life.

Yes, the tween and teen years are more difficult these days than we could ever imagine. Teens are caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood and it can be a period of great confusion and anxiety. There's pressure to fit in socially, to perform academically, and to act responsibly. There's the awakening of sexual feelings, a growing self-identity, and a need for autonomy that often conflicts with the rules and expectations set by others.

But it is our job to let them know they are loved unconditionally, gay, straight or in between. And for parents to create an environment where the greatest pressure and influence is that which comes from inside our homes, not outside. 

More importantly, parents have to be more in tune with their children and know their (sometimes even silent) calls for help. And then do something about it!

Also, research shows that teens with an adequate support network of friends, family, religious affiliations, peer groups, or extracurricular activities may have an outlet to deal with everyday frustrations, and is less likely to contemplate suicide. But many teens don't believe they have that, and feel disconnected and isolated from family and friends. These teens are at increased risk for suicide. Does your teen feel isolated and disconnected? These are things a parent must know.

And finally, what about the parents? Do you suffer from depression? Or are you in denial about your depression? There is a lot of supporting research that shows that depressive illnesses may have a genetic component, so some teens may be predisposed to suffer from serious depression.  

All parents need to check themselves and check in more with their children to help stop these terrible tragedies.