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!
The Bullying Prevention
The Yunion in partnership with TBOP productions has produced another film to assist our young people in their journey through adolescence. This film focuses on the effects of bullying and will be used as a bullying prevention tool. This past weekend we finished filming and…
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Parents did you know?
Parents, did you know? Roughly 1-in-4 girls will be pregnant at least once before age 20. The U.S. teen birth rate is at an all-time low. As of 2016, the teen birth rate (20.3 births per 1,000 girls ages 15-to-19) declined 67 percent since its…
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The Yunion Student Highlight of the month
Yunion Student Highlight of the month: Robert M. is this month’s Yunion student of the of month. Robert is a participant in Our Partner program JOURNi More Than Code Program. Hear what are staff has to say about Robert’s Progress in our program. “He is…
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The Performing Arts Summer Camp
Parents meet our Keys 2 Life Performing Arts Summer Camp Director Mr. Darell Red Campbell Jr. (Known to kids as Mr. Red). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Red is a platinum, stellar-award winning producer, musician, and teacher with a heart for empowering people to find hidden talent and potential…
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Keys To Life Performing Arts
Parents meet Selah. Selah was a first-time Keys 2 Life Performing Arts camper last year. This is what she had to say about her experience. “Even though it was virtual it was still fun. My favorite class was SWAG (Students With Awareness & Goals) because…
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Friday Yunion Parent Check-in
Friday Yunion Parent Check-in Camp registration is open! www.keys2lifesummercamp.com
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Pick-Me-Up
Parents see what one of our Keys 2 Life Sponsors (Max & Marjorie Fisher Foundation) had to say about our last year’s summer camp. At The Yunion’s “Keys 2 Life” summer camp program, Detroit youth spent their long, warm days engaged in performing arts activities…
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Parent’s This is For You
Parents it’s no secret that sleep plays an important role in good physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling irritable and exhausted in the short-term, but it can also have serious long-term health consequences as well. Lack of sleep is linked to…
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Keys to Life Is Back
IT’S BACK! Our Keys 2 Life Performing Arts Summer Camp has gone VIRTUAL HYBRID! This amazing 4-week summer camp starts Monday, July 5th, and includes virtual classes on Beat Making, Music Production, Dance, Acting, Stringed Instrumentation, Song-Writing, and In-Person Field Trips (CDC guideline compliant)! Also…
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Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms.
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Album For the Yunion Alumni
Today we want to honor one of our Yunion Alumni. Tiaunna Bradley was 10 years old when we first met her. She was a part of our Keys 2 Life and SWAG program. We had the honor and pleasure of following her through High School…
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Parenting Tip Tuesday!
“Show Your Teen Respect and Expect It in Return” Parents we know the second part of the tip goes without saying but we wanted to let you know they go hand in hand. As our children go through adolescence they are transitioning and we should…
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The Yunion Alumni
We want to take the time to acknowledge one of our “Yunion Alumni”. Shaq Hall has gone through several of the Yunion’s Programs (SWAG, The Cave of Adullam, Keys 2 Life). He has also worked for us doing photography and video work. Yesterday he graduated…
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Parent’s this is for you!
Parents, Did You Know? The only 100% guaranteed way to avoid STIs/STDs is to not have any kind of sexual contact — like vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or skin-to-skin genital touching — with another person. At the Yunion we focus on a Sexual Risk…
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