PTA HEARS HOW TO SPOT SIGNALS OF TEEN SELF-DESTRUCTION

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 10, 1993                   TAG: 9303100157
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN                                LENGTH: Medium
PTA HEARS HOW TO SPOT SIGNALS OF TEEN SELF-DESTRUCTION
Parents and others who are responsible for children can take specific steps to head off self-destructive behavior in teen-agers, ranging from suicide to substance abuse.
That was the message to members of Pulaski County High's PTA Monday night from Gina Miano, the school's Student-Family Counseling center coordinator, and 12th-grade counselor Cindy Watson.
Miano said recognizing symptoms of depression is important in preventing teen suicide. "It is preventable, if we see the warning signs and if we do something about it," she said.
"Depression is a major energy-zapper," and a teen might show apathy, loss of energy and social withdrawal, but there are other signs of potential self-destruction among young people, she said.
These include suicidal threats or hints; giving away prized possessions; making such final arrangements as a will; preoccupation with suicide or death; school or behavior problems; family disintegration; increased risk-taking; and increasing use of alcohol or drugs.
Adults should act immediately and take the behavior seriously, Miano said. It is important to talk to youngsters showing it, evaluate what they have to say, take complaints seriously and do something tangible - such as obtaining advice from physicians, school specialists and mental-health professionals - so something comes of the discussion.
Miano said adults should not be afraid to ask directly if the child has thought about suicide. Asking rarely is harmful when done at an appropriate time, she said. In fact, the child might be glad at the chance to bring it into the open.
Watson said it is wrong for a parent to allow an adolescents to use alcohol at home, rationalizing that at least they are not endangering themselves or others by driving.
"That's a real cop-out, folks. . . . What you're really doing is contributing to the delinquency of a minor," she said.
It also sends a signal to the young people that the adult does not care what they do. "We hear that all the time. . . . `My Mom and Dad don't care,' " she said.
She said parents are supposed to set limits. That is their job. Kids expect it and, deep down, they want it. "You will find that drinking and smoking marijuana are the beginnings of very, very severe substance abuse," she said. "Cigarette-smoking, alcohol and marijuana are stepping stones."
Young people using drugs may seem to become less responsible, change friends, dress differently, show physical or mental deterioration, increase intolerable behavior, or even attempt suicide, she said.
She echoed Miano's advice to confront the child, and make it clear that drug use is not allowed - but not while the child is under the influence. One of the most effective deterrents, she said, is grounding.
It is important to make it clear that it is the use of drugs, and not the child, that is being rejected. "If I could leave you with one thought, it would be: Become involved in your child's life," Watson said.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB