Dr. Sricharan Moturi, the founder of Saber Psychiatry, specializes in treating young people with depression and speaks publicly to audiences across the country about suicide and suicide prevention. If your child is depressed and is having thoughts or plans about suicide, they should be evaluated immediately by a trained mental health professional.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24. Here are some risk factors and early warning signs from the AACAP website:
Thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts are often associated with depression. In addition to depression, other risk factors include:
- family history of suicide attempts
- exposure to violence
- impulsivity
- aggressive or disruptive behavior
- access to firearms
- bullying
- feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- acute loss or rejection
Children and adolescents thinking about suicide may openly make suicidal statements or comments such as, “I wish I was dead,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.” Other warning signs associated with suicide can include:
- changes in eating or sleeping habits
- frequent or pervasive sadness
- withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
- frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- decline in the quality of schoolwork
- preoccupation with death and dying
Call Us Today!
In 2020, Saber Psychiatry was formed to evaluate and treatpsychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults in Franklin and Middle Tennessee. Saber Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients ages 2 to 65. Call our offices at 615.678.7839 to schedule an appointment.