The holiday season is a wonderful and amazing time of the year. The sight of the holiday lights lends hope to the soul. This fabulous feeling does not happen for everyone, and sometimes the holidays can be very difficult for children and teens with depression.

In 2016, suicide was the second leading cause of death for children from 10-19 years of age.  More children die from suicide that heart disease, infections and cancer combined.  

December is the anniversary of my nephew’s passing. I can’t convey the deep and lasting impact this had on my extended family. I write this in remembrance of Noah.

Let’s remember that children and teens can struggle with feelings of depression and even suicide this time of year. Reach out for help to your healthcare provider, counselor or the national suicide prevention lifeline.  

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to help at 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Prevent accidental poisoning this holiday season by knowing the risks to your children. There are poisoning risks everywhere.  Certain plants can be poisonous.  Grandmother’s purse is a big risk, as likely there’s medication of some sort in there. Antifreeze which has dripped onto the garage floor or driveway tastes sweet and is a risk both to children and pets. Something as small as a cigarette butt can be toxic if ingested by a child. Keep the poison control number in your phone and on the refrigerator: 1-800-222-1222.

Read more about accidental poisoning here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/how-to-avoid-accidental-poisonings