Snowballs or Avalanches: Which ones are more dangerous?

Dr. Yanni Rho, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Parent and Member of the Contra Costa County Suicide Prevention Coalition


The answer
: Both can be! Avalanches are obvious; you see a sign while driving through the hills and are aware that there is danger and that your car could be covered in seconds.  

Snowballs individually may not be a problem. But if you are thrown snowball after snowball after snowball, your car may be covered, maybe not in seconds, but it could be if the conditions are just right. And sometimes, what you think is a snowball can feel like an avalanche to your child/teen.

As parents and guardians, it’s important to watch for both avalanches and snowballs for ourselves as well in our teens’ lives as certain times in their lives may be more risky. Transitions or significant life events/traumas are a known factor that plays into depression and increases suicide risk for children and teens. Some examples are breakups, losing friend groups, family transitions, being bullied, etc.

Other things to notice that can increase risk are drug and alcohol use, depression and anxiety, poor sleep and eating habits, etc.

Make sure to touch base with your teens, and remember to respect their space and not be intrusive as well. This is easier said than done, but something that you can say (when your child/teen wants to be left alone) is “I just want to check in with you because I love you and want you to know that you can come to me when you are ready to talk.  If you can’t talk to me, please make sure you are talking with someone who will support you.” And if they are willing to talk, validate their feelings and try not to minimize (eg. “Everything will be okay” or “it’s not a big deal”). Empathic and active listening can help open doors to deeper conversations. 

Remember that even if they look or seem happy, they may be struggling inside, so watch for signs such as talking about suicide or death, feeling hopeless or guilty, pulling away from friends and family, losing desire to do their favorite activities, changes in personality, etc.

Fortunately, we have access to mental health/well-being resources, such as the Wellness centers at school, counselors, nurses, community providers such as pediatricians and therapists, psychiatrists, etc. Some of us may also have access to traditional healers, religious or spiritual leaders, and other communities of support. But we also have access to 988 Lifeline (text or call), the California Parent and Youth helpline (text, chat, or call), or Youthline peer support line in Oregon (open to all teens- call, text, chat, email).  So feel free to utilize and share with others and your children. If you have questions or would like more support, feel free to reach out to parented@acalanesparentsclub.com.

Parent Education

POWERFUL COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT TUESDAY, MAR 19
Students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend “Paralyzed to Powerful” with Robert Paylor on Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm. This event will take place in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC) and while the event is free, we ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

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Parent Education

POWERFUL COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT TUESDAY, MAR 19
Students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend “Paralyzed to Powerful” with Robert Paylor on Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm. This event will take place in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC) and while the event is free, we ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

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Parent Education



Powerful Community Education Event.

"Paralyzed to Powerful" with Robert Paylor. RSVP here!

Tuesday, March 19
7:00pm
Acalanes Performing Arts Center, PAC
Event is free and encouraged for all Parents and Students. 

 

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Parent Education



Please plan to join us for this powerful discussion! RSVP here!
Event is free and encouraged for all Parents and Students. 

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Parent Education



Please plan to join us for this powerful discussion! RSVP here!
Event is free and encouraged for all Parents and Students. 

Read more

Parent Education

SAVE THE DATE: Powerful Parent & Student Education Event
Robert Paylor “Paralyzed to Powerful”
Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Stay tuned for more information and link to RSVP

Robert’s story: “In the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, I broke my neck and my life changed in an instant. Immediately, I was told I would never walk or move my hands again. I didn’t accept that reality and willed myself to walk again, against all odds.”

Everyone is paralyzed by something, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Robert’s story and the tools that he continues to use to overcome his challenges helps others to both identify and conquer that which paralyzes them. His message stirs others to cultivate purpose in their lives, fully access their inner resilience, develop a reflexive sense of gratitude, and maintain positivity through even the most daunting challenges.

Save the date and plan to join us for the powerful discussion!


COLLEGE COUNSELING & COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENTS WITH IEPs
Wednesday, Feb 7 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library

This parent workshop will be presented by Education Consultant, Melissa Masland, on post high school education options and the college application process for students receiving special education services.

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Parent Education

COLLEGE COUNSELING & COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENTS WITH IEPs
Wednesday, Feb 7 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library
This parent workshop will be presented by Education Consultant, Melissa Masland, on post high school education options and the college application process for students receiving special education services.

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Parent Education


GOVERNMENT BENEFITS FOR 18+ STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Parent Ed presented by Public Benefits Consultant, Jim Huyck
Learn about SSI, SSDI, IHSS, SLS, MediCal, MediCare, Regional Center Benefits
Tuesday, Jan 30 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library

SEED HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Where our special needs high schoolers hang out with their typical peers.
Upcoming regular meeting dates:

  • Thursday, Jan 18: 5-6:30pm
  • Thursday, Feb 15: 5-6:30pm

Volunteers and participants should RSVP here (volunteers get 2-hour community service validation per session).
To receive SEED High School updates, sign up to the High School newsletter here.

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Parent Education


GOVERNMENT BENEFITS FOR 18+ STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Parent Ed presented by Public Benefits Consultant, Jim Huyck
Learn about SSI, SSDI, IHSS, SLS, MediCal, MediCare, Regional Center Benefits
Tuesday, Jan 30 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library

SEED HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Where our special needs high schoolers hang out with their typical peers.
Upcoming regular meeting dates:

  • Thursday, Jan 18: 5-6:30pm
  • Thursday, Feb 15: 5-6:30pm

Volunteers and participants should RSVP here (volunteers get 2-hour community service validation per session).To receive SEED High School updates, sign up to the High School newsletter here.

Read more

Parents Club Pro-Tip

This Pro-Tip comes from AHS student leaders. Parents may want to encourage your student to visit the RogerHub website to utilize their Final Grade Calculator. Some students find it helpful to calculate what score they need to achieve on their final exam in order to get the semester grade they desire in the class.

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