Dr. Philippe Rey, a psychiatrist and panel guest, discussed many of the issues facing teens today and gave concrete suggestions for parents and friends, sharing ways to engage adolescents and young adults, as well as how to have the "difficult" conversation. My takeaway...seems better to ask "have you thought about suicide" and risk the rolled eyes/ire of your teen, than to avoid the question, assume all is well and live with the potential loss and associated guilt. While not an easy topic to discuss, I was struck by the sensitivity and candor of the panel members, guests and Mr. Krasny. I heard a sense of urgency from Christine Dunn, the CalTrain representative, to identify safety issues and minimize opportunistic suicide, while balancing the financial/business needs of a public transportation agency. I also sensed compassion from all of the panel members for the call-in guests who each had a brief story to share about someone they lost to suicide. And, as always, I learned something new.
Like so many other NPR programs, FORUM is recorded and available for download as a podcast usually within 24-48 hours of the original program. Check the FORUM program page.
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 -- 9:00 AM Teen Suicide
"Caltrain is investigating the fourth teen suicide on the train tracks near Palo Alto in less than a year. We explore ways to identify an anxious or depressed adolescent, and discuss how parents and communities can respond."
Here are some additional resources courtesy of the FORUM page:
- Adolescent Counseling Services
- Family and Children Services
- Grief support and education
- American Association of Suicidology Registration begins in December for the 43rd American Association of Suicidology Annual Conference "Families, Community Systems and Suicide". Scheduled for April 21st - 24th, 2010 at the Hilton Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Please see their conference page for additional details.
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