Mental Health Challenges & Youth with Disabilities?
Suicide Prevention Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, its risk factors, and highlight ways to support those who may be struggling. Children with disabilities can face unique challenges that may increase their risk for mental health struggles, including an elevated risk of suicide. It’s important to note that not all children with disabilities are at the same level of risk, and various factors contribute to an individual’s mental health.
Why Could My Child with a Disability Be More Vulnerable to Mental Health Struggles?
- Social Isolation: Certain disabilities can make it hard for kids to connect with others, either because of trouble communicating, physical challenges, or not being included in activities. Feeling alone and sad because of this isolation can increase the chances of having thoughts about suicide.
- Bullying and Stigma: Kids with disabilities might be bullied or treated unfairly because they’re different. This can make them feel bad about themselves, like they’re not valuable, and it can also make them more likely to have problems with their mental health.
- Dependency: Some children with disabilities need a lot of help from others, depending on how severe their disability is. Depending on others for so much can make them feel frustrated, like they have no control, and like they’re a bother to others.
- Physical Pain: Some disabilities come with chronic pain or discomfort, which can impact a child’s overall well-being and contribute to feelings of hopelessness.
- Barriers to Participation: Children with disabilities might face barriers to participating in typical childhood activities, leading to feelings of exclusion and frustration.
- Limited Coping Strategies: Children with disabilities might have fewer opportunities to develop effective coping strategies, which can make it harder to manage stress and emotional challenges.
- Lack of Access to Services: Limited access to mental health services, therapy, and support networks can be a barrier to addressing mental health concerns in children with disabilities.
- Parental and Caregiver Stress: The added demands of caring for a child with a disability can lead to increased stress among parents and caregivers, which can impact the child’s well-being.
Recognizing Warning Signs: Is Your Child Struggling with Thoughts of Suicide?
If you’re worried about your child’s mental health or thoughts of suicide, take their feelings seriously. Here are some things to look for:
- Observe Behavioral Changes: Be attentive to changes in behavior, mood, and habits. Sudden shifts, such as withdrawing from social activities, isolating themselves, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or experiencing extreme mood swings, could be indicators of distress.
- Notice Changes in Interests: A sudden loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed can be a sign of emotional distress.
- Expressions of Despair: Listen for statements that indicate feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or a desire to escape from their problems.
- Increased Risk Factors: If your child has other risk factors, such as a history of mental health issues, bullying, substance abuse, or a family history of suicide, their risk might be higher.
- Self-Harm: Be aware of any signs of self-harm, such as unexplained cuts or bruises.
- Changes in Sleep and Eating Patterns: Disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and weight loss or gain could be indications of emotional struggles.
- Verbal Cues: Some individuals might express thoughts of suicide directly. If your child talks about feeling trapped, having no reason to live, or wanting to end their life, take these statements seriously.
If you’re ever in doubt or worried about your child’s safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional, a school counselor, a pediatrician, or a helpline. In emergencies, such as immediate risk of harm, contact a crisis hotline or take your child to the nearest emergency room.
RESOURCES
Utah Suicide Crisis Line: Call 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Preventing Self-harm in Teens: A Guide for Appropriate Intervention
National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI)
Utah Behavioral Health Service Locations by County
