A veces todo es complicado, quizás es contraproducente hablarle a un niño sobre el suicidio, consideran algunos psicólogos. Sin embargo, hay que enfrentar el problema y buscar maneras de que entiendan lo que significa. Sobre todo, enseñarles a manejar y controlar sus emociones. También darle confianza para que puedan expresarse. Sin obviar, que ellos necesitan mucho amor, abrazos y comprensión.

Con el lema “Cambiar la narrativa”, se espera que la sociedad reflexione sobre esta palabra que a nadie le gusta pero no se abocan a prevenir. Desde la columna ¡Auxilio, abuelita!, los invito amigos y padres de #Motherhood a ser cada día mejores personas, a amar a sus hijos y dar el ejemplo. Y hablar sobre este tema con ellos sin tabúes, y recuerde: “que más vale prevenir que lamentar”.

Un abrazo virtual, hasta la próxima. Les quiero.

Namasté

(En)

Friends and parents of #Motherhood, Welcome back to the column Help, Grandma! Wednesday, September 10, was World Suicide Prevention Day. That's why I'm offering my support and advice to help parents and adults responsible for children and teens become more aware of this issue.

It is a sensitive and controversial topic, especially when it comes to talking to children and adolescents about it. However, it is very important for families and society. It is also important to be aware of some signs that may indicate that there is a problem.

Humans have not yet managed to decipher what happens in the brain and mind. They have made great strides, this is very true, but they still lack many answers about how they work. For this reason, it is essential to prevent feelings and emotions from becoming so extreme that they reach extremes. Believe it or not, a spark in the mind, even a very small one, can grow until it drives an adult crazy. This is especially true if they have childhood traumas.

Sometimes we try to cover up the gaps and wounds, but we can't, and this leads to emotional imbalance. We must try not to get upset, not to be so competitive, and to lead a calm life. I know that this is almost impossible in today's societies, because life is so hectic. This is the cause of anxiety and stress, the main elements that ignite the spark and drive human beings to madness and to attempt to take their own lives.

Imagine children and adolescents, who tend to be fragile by nature. They are very susceptible, and any event, words, or physical and psychological abuse can activate and awaken their idle minds and create false expectations. This leads them to make bad decisions and attempt to take their own lives. Some specialists believe that before the age of fourteen, human beings do not have these tendencies, but the mind is toxic, and I do not trust it.

Parents are afraid to talk to their children about suicide; it is a taboo in society, and they say:

Shh! Don't talk, the children are listening.

Question: What is the fear? I believe we need to talk openly about suicide, although of course it depends on their age. This worries the whole family. I think the most important thing, and the priority, is to build trust so that they can express themselves and talk about their fears. Besides, as we say in Venezuela, “better safe than sorry.”

From my point of view, suicide affects the whole family and leaves a void in the soul that is difficult to come to terms with. On this subject, child psychologist Nuria G. Alonso de la Torre published an article on the children's guide website entitled: “Suicide in children and adolescents - IMPORTANT warning signs”, in which she states the following:

The key word is “signs.” From my point of view, friends and parents of #Motherhood, this does not happen overnight; it is there, growing and getting stronger. The problem is that “he who does not want to see is blind,” as we Venezuelans say. We must take precautions so we don't regret it later. We must be very cautious in how we treat our children.

We must raise awareness in order to face the problem. According to the website www.gob.mx:

Friends, we must face problems in order to solve them. Don't say “shh!”—the children can hear. Instead, talk and explain in simple terms. I also looked for ways to gain their trust so they would talk to me about their fears and traumas.

A video titled “Some believe that crazy people commit suicide” is circulating on social media. I don't know who made it, but I would like to acknowledge it nonetheless. From my point of view, I support the approach. They are normal people like you and me. They live among us, appearing happy and smiling, but inside they are broken. Children and teenagers are the most susceptible to bullying and emotional and physical abuse.

I believe that parents need to be aware of changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, mutism, headaches, loss of appetite, and others. Children and teenagers get depressed. Here are some tips:

• Stay in touch with classmates, teachers, and friends.

• Set boundaries without physical or psychological abuse.

• Do not make comparisons.

• Respect and communication.