Re: A permanent decision
Patricia Pearson (Pearsonpat@AOL.COM)
Fri, 7 Nov 1997 23:03:56 -0500
In my inexpert opinion--what I have studied, been told, lectured, briefed,
etc. (mostly with the military)--tell people that can keep it confidential
and help the child.
Many times the parents and the people closest to the suicidal person will
deny it even after it happens. That is from personal experience. My cousin
is a few months older than me. In high school, after he had dropped out,
with two broken legs, drunk, he decided to clean his gun. This is a boy like
me who grew up hunting for food so he knew guns. He is still alive, still
drinking, still denying his problems. His family is half and half even now
on if he really has a problem--even after 20 years of this destruction.
Ministers, DE's, therapists, have been trained on different levels on how to
get help or help someone sucidal. If there is an accident we have to notify
certain people--we need to notify those same personnel is there is a
suspicion of thought of suicide. That person is reaching out to us and
others to help them.
A story has haunted me for several years now. In the military chaplain's
office, one of my former bosses was in Vietnam manning the control center or
command post. Someone called, a young guy working in the mouge (spelling),
said he had a gun and he could stand to live anymore. He started running
across the compound until he heard the shot.
In a war-time situation and when I drill or doing my days, I am the one
watching the morale of the troops and doing various other things. As a
mother, I watch my children cope with problems and get them help with they
seem withdrawn or overwhelmed. As a scout leader, I watch the boys also.
You get to know them and care for them. You listen and get them additional
help as they need it--and you use "your chain" to notify the appropriate
persons.
Patty
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
