More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Training for Parents
More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Training for Parents April 21, 2016 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Darlington County Intervention School
By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net
“We wanted to host this training to prevent the loss of a child,” said Dr. Zenobia Edwards, Principal of the Darlington County Intervention School. “My teachers and I see first hand the struggles that many children face. Many are crying out for help, and we want to make sure that their parents and caregivers can recognize the symptoms and prevent an unnecessary tragedy.”
The Darlington County Intervention School, in partnership with the Pee Dee Unit of the SC Chapter National Association of Social Workers, will present “More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Training for Parents” on April 21, 2016 at the Darlington County Intervention School (100 Magnolia Street, Darlington, SC).
The program, which begins at 6:00 p.m., is a curriculum that teachers parents how to recognize signs of depression and other mental health problems, initiate a conversation about mental health with their child, and get help.
The presenter is Ms. Helen Pridgen, a professional social worker and youth advocate currently serving as S.C. Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). She is involved at the community, state, and national levels in suicide prevention efforts.
Pridgen assists with many suicide prevention awareness walks throughout the state, something that Edwards is interested in pursuing.
“If not this year, perhaps we will host one next year,” said Edwards. “It’s important enough to bring this to the community.”
Social workers can obtain credit for the course, and it is hosted during a mandatory parent night for DCIS, but the general public is strongly encouraged to attend.
“You don’t have to go far to find a child in need,” stresses Edwards.
She noted that one of her students, a young woman, is currently exhibiting signs of severe depression; her team of teachers, along with Edwards, are working with her family to get her the help she needs.
“It is as if she is willing herself to harm,” said Edwards. “Teens, young adults, don’t have to use the term ‘suicide’ to wish themselves harm. Often, the signs are very apparent, and it is up to us to help them.”
Edwards is firm believer in being proactive about this topic… “You can’t let it get away from you.”
She has seen a growing trend in young people who are incapable of calming themselves; she also sees young people lacking the skills that generations in past decades knew from a young age, such as knowing who is in charge, and how to follow simple rules of order.
“These young people are their own boss, and often times have absolutely no discipline,” continues Edwards. “That can be from having parents that work multiple jobs, or sadly – in some cases – it stems from neglect.”
“You end up with a child that is set up for failure; it is no wonder that so many are suffering from depression.”
For more information, contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) at: afsp.org If you or a loved one are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
