Mindfulness Treats Suicidal Ideation in Teens
Photo credit: flickr user – Caleb Roenigk
In a study published by the US National Library of Medicine, researchers found that mindfulness training helped improve suicidal ideation in teens. It gave those suffering the ability to assess their feelings, build compassion for themselves, and move towards living a life free from suicidal thoughts.
What is mindfulness?
The University of California – Berkeley, describes mindfulness as a way of being aware of each moment in our feelings, thoughts, surrounding environment, and bodily sensations. It’s a way to pay attention to ourselves and not judge, but accept what’s going on.
Recognizing suicidal ideation in teens
Suicidal ideation can lead to a deadly outcome. This makes it exceedingly important to know when someone is struggling with it. In a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 6 high school students seriously pondered committing suicide and 1 in 12 attempted suicide. Identifying the signs of suicidal ideation in teens can save lives. From Mayo Clinic, the common signs of suicidal ideation include:
- Talking about suicide
- Writing/Speaking frequently about death
- Alcohol/substance use
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Mood swings
- Aggressive or Reckless behavior
- Personality changes
- Self-harm
- Sudden change in sleeping/eating patterns
- If you believe your child may be struggling with suicidal ideation, it’s important to seek out professional help. Ignoring the issue will not only make things worse, but possibly lead to a lethal result.
Elevations RTC can help
Elevations RTC is a residential treatment center for struggling teens. We help those grappling with issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and many more. With a safe environment and comprehensive therapy, we help teens work through their issues and move towards a healthier life.
For more information about how Elevations treats suicidal ideation in teens, contact us today at .