Page 12 - PGA Community News - March '24

Page 12, PGA C.A.N.! March 2024 March 2024
When Kids Say, ‘I’m Better Off Dead’

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Disease Control’s website Furthermore, his learning disabilities interfered with his
Licensed School Psychologist and Youth Risk Survey reading, writing, and spelling so he was academically behind
A concerned parent came to us for testing because on Data, among adolescents his peers. This caused embarrassment and he felt stupid. His
more than one occasion her son said, “I shouldn’t be alive. aged 12 to 17, 18.8 percent circumstances created the perfect storm for him to cry out to
I’m better off dead.” Before contacting us, this mom had had seriously considered his parent that he was better off dead. This boy had no suicidal
already hid all the sharp knives in her home. She was attempting suicide, 15.7 plan but he did not have the appropriate words to express he
wise to seek professional support rather than dismissing percent made a suicide plan, wanted help and understanding.
or scolding her child for saying that since suicide in and 8.9 percent attempted This boy’s mom wanted to know how to help and our testing
children is a real concern. According to the Center for suicide. These percentages results report provided recommendations. They obtained a
are higher for youth of public school plan called an Individualized Education Plan
color and those identifying which provided specialized instruction. As a family they began
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2024 Gala from page 11 as LGBTQ. working with a counselor to improve home communication
Our school neuropsychological testing revealed he had and understanding. Step by step they made changes to help
ADHD and learning disabilities which caused significant their child’s mental health and learning.
school problems. This boy was viewed as the class clown If you or your child have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, call
and became the one people pointed to and assumed was the or text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. You know your child
disruptive cause when there was a problem. This contributed best so if you are concerned about a potential learning disability,
to him feeling rejected by most of his peers and teacher. autism, or ADHD, call a professional to discuss your child.

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All photos by Alicia Donelan

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