Preventing suicide at Lake Tahoe: Like physical health, mental health matters

Sarah McClarie
Special to the Bonanza 

TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — As parents and caretakers, we are constantly looking after our children’s physical health. Keeping a child healthy seems fairly simple: regular exercise, plenty of rest, visits to the doctor’s office, and preparing balanced, nutritious meals. But are we taking into consideration their mental health as well? Like physical health, it is important that we pay attention to the basics of mental health in our children. We must give it thought, care, and attention. By doing so, we will promote our children’s mental and emotional well-being, and can address potential mental health problems early, through intervention.

By helping build a strong foundation of a positive self-esteem so that a child feels secure, can relate to others, and can grow. There are many ways to achieve this, such as providing a child with a safe home, showing them love and respect, and providing them the opportunity to express emotions and feelings. Having trusting relationships with adults and friends is also very important. Teach children the importance of healthy emotions and model your behaviors to match what you are expecting of them. It is essential to keep in mind that there is a biological component to mental health. Even in a healthy, well-adjusted home, a child may experience mental health issues. Acknowledging this may be frightening for parents but just like physical illness, treating mental health problems early may help prevent more serious illnesses from developing in the future.

Consulting a professional is a safer step. You know your child’s emotional demeanor best, and when you see noticeable changes, alert your healthcare provider. Some examples of behavior to look out for include:
- Social isolation
- Self-destructiveness – self or with others
- Feelings of anxiety or constant worry
- Feelings of excessive anger
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Frequent nightmares
- Avoiding others and wanting to be alone
- Inability to concentrate or sit still
- Hurting other people or things
- Talking about suicide or death
- Major changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Losing interest in previous activities
- Recklessness
- Sudden mood changes

By paying attention to mental health in our youth, we are teaching them that it matters. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560