Locals in favor of suicide screening for teens

Dave Muth and his daughter Madeline from Palm Desert first started volunteering for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention when Madeline first attempted suicide when she was 11 years old.

“Madeline was the most courageous young lady that a person could know. She was a very kind, caring, courageous girl,” says Muth, “She had a very caring heart, and she was always there for others.”

Madeline died by suicide in October of 2015.

A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends teens be screened for suicide risks by asking questions such as history of physical or sexual abuse, mood disorders, substance abuse, and bullying.

Muth, now a board member for the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, believes this should be done by trained clinicians on regular check ups. He says teachers and school administrators should also be trained to look for risk factors.

“That would have absolutely helped Madeline, and it absolutely will help other teens.”

“I feel that every school has a responsibility to discuss suicide with their kids, to openly discuss it,” says Father Howard Lincoln of Sacred Heart Church, “And I feel that is really not optional. That’s a moral obligation to discuss that topic with them.”

Father Howard Lincoln has been an advocate for suicide prevention since the church lost three children by suicide.

“Suicide is death by illness,” says Father Lincoln, “No one really wants to commit suicide, and suicide is preventable.”

“The biggest thing we can do to prevent suicide is to talk about it,” says Muth, “To break down the stigma, to make it acceptable for someone who is in the work place or a student to ask for help. Right now there’s such a stigma that people are afraid to ask for help.”

The Muth family says it’s important that parents of friends speak up if they notice any of the risk factors.

“Let people know that you care and that you are special. They’re unique,” says Father Lincoln, “God created them, and there’s honor and dignity to everyone’s life.”

“You’re not alone. There are so many people going through the exact same thing you are,” says Muth, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Some of the risks for suicide you can look for include reckless, agitated or withdrawn behavior, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, and feelings of hopelessness.

You should call 911 or the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you or someone you know may be suicidal. You can also reach the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at 855-869-2377.