The recent posting on social media of a young suicide victim from Japan has caused great controversy here in the United States. A pediatric behavioral health psychologist at The University of Kansas Health System urges parents to proactively talk to their children and adolescents to see if they have seen the video and discuss their reactions to it.
In the video, Stephen Lassen, PhD, notes it is also an opportunity to open the doors for discussion with adolescents on the broader issue of teen suicide. The talk should reassure them that they can talk to parents, school counselors, religious leaders or professionals to resolve issues or depression before suicide would be considered.
