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
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.
Parent Education
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Volunteers and participants should RSVP here (volunteers get 2-hour community service validation per session). |
Parent Education
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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. |
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.
Parent Education
The Las Lomas PTSA invites you to attend a Parent Education series presentation on Dec 18 lead by by therapists Daniele Svingos and Annie Wright
"The Hidden Signs of Teen Suicide: A Therapist-Led Workshop"
Monday, Dec 18 at 7pm via Zoom
Parents and students who attend will learn:
- The state of adolescent mental health as a national crisis
- The discomfort we may have as parents talking about it, but the criticality of doing so
- The difference between active suicidality and suicidal ideation
- The risk factors that can lead to suicidal ideation in adolescents
- The "more obvious" warning signs of suicidal ideation
- The "less obvious" warning signs
- Steps we can take as parents to create a firm foundation for resilient mental health in our adolescent children
- Q&A
Parents Club Pro-Tip
At our recent Dons Dialogue, we heard some valuable pro-tips from seasoned student leaders that we want to share broadly:
- Check in with your students about finals. Encourage them to take advantage of the many resources available to help study and de-stress. Visit the APC website for a reminder of resources available. You can even print the handy exam schedule here.
- 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.
Let’s face it, finals can be a stressful time not only for our students, but also us parents, so hang in there!
Parent Education
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Parent Education
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Parents Club Pro-Tip
Encourage your student to show up and participate in all the fun planned for homecoming week. There are so many different ways to get involved and its a great opportunity to make new friends or spend time with old friends. Go Dons!
Parent Education
SONG FOR CHARLIE - VIDEO
Last week Acalanes Administration hosted an impactful presentation with Song for Charlie (family-run nonprofit) and local First Responders on the topic of Fentanyl and “Fake Pills”. It was great to see so many parents and caregivers in attendance. This was not the old drug presentations we saw as kids. The information is new and important for all to see. We highly recommend parents sit down with their students to view the video!
Song for Charlie Website and Presentation
HOW TO NAVIGATE LIFE - EVENT REMINDER
Campo DEIB Presents: “How to Navigate Life" Book Discussion
Wednesday, Oct 11 at 7pm
Campolindo High School Performing Arts Center
RSVP Now at Event Create.
Acalanes High School and APC present
INTERNET SAFETY NIGHT
Tuesday, Oct 24 at 6:30pm
Acalanes Performing Arts Center
Event is free for all parents/guardian.
