The rate of suicide is increasing dramatically in the United States as well as internationally, both in teenagers and in midlife. As this is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the US, Dr. Margaret discusses this cultural shift, quoting the fascinating work of prominent researcher Jean Twenge who reports a relationship between the emergence of the iPhone and depression. But what can you do if your child or someone you love becomes addicted to their cell phone? Of if you do? Dr. Margaret shares six ideas of how to monitor and corral its use, both in your children and in yourself. And she relates an extremely poignant metaphor for healing after suicide, relayed to her by one of her patients. The listener email today highlights what can happen when we make the decision to be honest about who we really are — what we cope with on a daily basis.

Important links:

Suicide Prevention Hotline Number 1-800-273-8255

Suicide Prevention Website

Article in The Atlantic by Jean Twenge on the rising rate of suicide in teens

 

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!