PARENT RESOURCE-STOP TEEN SUICIDE
The first time I ever recall thinking about hurting myself was at the age of 12. I don’t remember why, but I remember feeling like the world was caving in on me. This feeling has visited me time and time again… even into my adult years. The feeling left me when I found the love of the Creator and hasn’t returned since.
Last summer, one of my best friends from childhood, committed suicide. I was left feeling like I failed him as a friend. Why didn’t I know things were this bad? Why didn’t I recognize the symptoms? These were the thoughts running through my head.
What I have learned is this; suicide is often the result of someone suffering from some level of mental illness. Mental illness comes in all shapes and sizes. Mental illness is not always diagnosed or easy to recognize. And the truth is, young people are not likely to express to you, the parent, teacher, coach, mentor, etc. that they are depressed. So here are some things to look for that may help you identify if a young person is depressed. Being able to identify this behavior can prevent future harm of a young person.
Symptoms of teen depression:
(Present for more than two weeks and affects daily functioning)
- Persistent sad, irritable mood
- Sense of hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends, family, activities
- Lack of energy and enthusiasm
- Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns
- Risky behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
If you see these signs or symptoms, it is important to talk with your child or student about what you are observing. It may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Then be sure to get them help! There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my friend. He may have been feeling depressed since childhood, just like me! However, he never addressed those feelings and now he is no longer here. Let’s help prevent a young person from ever getting to the point of taking their own life!
5 Tips to Help You Communicate With Your Teen
Parents, here are 5 tips to help you communicate with your teen: 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 – Make time during the day or evening to hear about your teen’s day and activities; be sure that he or she knows you are actively interested and listening…
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Parents, Did You Know?
𝘋𝘐𝘋 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘒𝘕𝘖𝘞…? As a parent, it’s normal to feel a sense of grief as your child grows up. Gone are the days when they depended on you and soon, they’ll be out on her own. Even as adults, we have to make…
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A Godsend Donation
Words cannot express how thankful we are to receive a $5,000 donation from Pastor Sonny Smith and the Detroit Church family! Unbeknownst to Pastor Sonny, both of The Yunion’s boilers were destroyed last month due to the flood. This money was a godsend and…
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Parents, Be Candid. Do you Have a Favorite Child?
Parents, be candid. Do you have a favorite child? Mel Robbins has an interesting point of view. Take a look at this clip and then let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Do you agree? Do you have a different thought process? Let’s…
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5 Tips to Help your Teens Cope with Stress!
𝟓 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝗪𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒! Growing teens go through more stress than we give them credit for! Small things that we may take for granted can be huge for them! So, here are some ways to help them cope: …
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The Yunion (Friday) – Live
Friday Yunion Parent Check-in
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The Self-Esteem of a Child
The development of a positive self-concept or healthy self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and success of children and teenagers. Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and our behavior clearly reflects those feelings. For children, self-esteem often comes from knowing…
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The Yunion is Hiring
The Yunion is hiring, and we’re looking for skilled and passionate people like you to join our team. A Life Guide is a Prevention Specialist who is responsible for planning, leading, and facilitating abstinence curriculum programs with participants at schools and community-based sites. If you…
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SWAG Program Alumni, Erin M. Erin
Allow us to introduce one of our SWAG program alumni, Erin M. Erin entered Yunion’s SWAG program as a 9th grader. We’ve had the pleasure of not only mentoring Erin as a student but also as an employee. Erin was recently featured in an article…
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Limit a Child on Video Games
“In an effort to curb video game addiction among children, China’s National Press and Publication Administration are tightening the reins on just how much that online gaming companies are allowed to offer young users, the nation’s news agency Xinhua reported Monday. Under the new mandates,…
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Techniques With Your Young Person
Parents, please use these techniques with your young person. The example provided is with a 6-year-old but these techniques even work with teenagers. 1. Acknowledge their behavior 2. Ask the “why” for the behavior aka get context for the content 3. Listen to the response…
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40 Developmental Assets Part 2
40 Developmental Assets Part 2 (Continued from last week)
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“Who Your Child is Today is Not Who They Were Yesterday…”
“Who your child is today is not who they were yesterday…” – Unknown Parents remembering this quote will greatly benefit you and your child. Cherish the time you have with them now and enjoy them in every stage of their life, yes even during puberty…
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Developing a Young Man
“Young men are learning how to war in the spiritual and in the physical simultaneously. The complete man is being developed. I have never seen anything like this in my entire Christian life.” #TheYunion #youth #lovingyouth #youthassistance
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The Yunion has Reached Over 10,000 Metro Detroit Youth
The Yunion has reached over 10,000 Metro Detroit youth via innovative prevention programming, engaging workshops, assemblies, and conferences. We have collaborated with over 3-dozen schools, community organizations, and churches in empowering Detroit youth and families. #TheYunion #youth #lovingyouth #youthassistance
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Check-In with Program Coordinator, Ron Ironic Lee Jr.
Check-In with Program Coordinator Ron Ironic Lee Jr.
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