Page 4 - Southern Exposure - March '24

Page 4, Southern Exposure

all about KidS

When Kids Say, ‘I’m Better Off Dead’

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist

A concerned parent came since suicide in children is a real concern. According to created the perfect storm for him to cry out to his parent
to us for testing because on the Center for Disease Control’s website and Youth Risk that he was better off dead. This boy had no suicidal plan
more than one occasion her Survey Data, among adolescents aged 12 to 17, 18.8 but he did not have the appropriate words to express he
son said, “I shouldn’t be percent had seriously considered attempting suicide, 15.7 wanted help and understanding.
alive. I’m better off dead.” percent made a suicide plan, and 8.9 percent attempted This boy’s mom wanted to know how to help and our
Before contacting us, this suicide. These percentages are higher for youth of color testing results report provided recommendations. They
mom had already hid all and those identifying as LGBTQ. obtained a public school plan called an Individualized
the sharp knives in her Our school neuropsychological testing revealed he had Education Plan which provided specialized instruction. As
home. She was wise to seek ADHD and learning disabilities which caused significant a family they began working with a counselor to improve
professional support rather school problems. This boy was viewed as the class clown home communication and understanding. Step by step
than dismissing or scolding and became the one people pointed to and assumed they made changes to help their child’s mental health and
her child for saying that was the disruptive cause when there was a problem. learning.
This contributed to him feeling rejected by most of his If you or your child have suicidal thoughts or behaviors,
peers and teacher. Furthermore, his learning disabilities call or text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. You know
interfered with his reading, writing, and spelling so your child best so if you are concerned about a potential
he was academically behind his peers. This caused learning disability, autism, or ADHD, call to discuss your
embarrassment and he felt stupid. His circumstances child. Visit JimForgan.com or call (561) 625-4125.

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