Samuel Buser

Teen depression and covid-19

Teen Depression and COVID-19

In episode 19: “Talking Teen Mental Health, Part I- COVID-19,” our guest, Natalie, speaks about the challenges she and her peers face in the pandemic. Right now, many parents are scratching their heads about how to best deal with all the changes that have taken place for young people since COVID-19 shut down much of our lives. What does parenting even look like in this terrain? Being stuck at home all the time is hard …

Teen Depression and COVID-19 Read More »

teen suicide attempt

Teen Suicide Attempts: Hope Is Not a Strategy

In episode 18 “Parents and Youth Suicide, Part III- Info for Parents of Young Adults” we discuss common questions that parents have about youth suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers.  In addition, the rate of suicide among teens has increased 47% in the past 20 years.  Teen suicide attempts and deaths are at all time highs.  Yet, parents tend to underestimate the risk of suicide by their own teenager. This …

Teen Suicide Attempts: Hope Is Not a Strategy Read More »

talking with your kids about suicide

The OTHER Hard Talk: Speaking with Your Kids About Suicide

Parents (and their children) dread “the talk”.  You know…the one about the birds and the bees. Almost no one looks forward to explaining to their adolescent about such things as condoms, sexually transmitted illnesses, and pregnancy.  However, as difficult as it is, most parents try to find a way to talk with their sons and daughters about sex to prevent what can be life-altering problems. If you don’t have the hard talk about sex, then your …

The OTHER Hard Talk: Speaking with Your Kids About Suicide Read More »

how to not raise a cyberbully

How to Not Raise a Cyberbully

Smart parents recognize the risks of the digital world and try to protect their children from them.  You may have reminded your kids that pictures them post online can come back to haunt them years later.  Or, you may have blocked inappropriate content and warned your kids about cyberbullying.  If you’ve listened to episode 16: “What Parents Need to Know About Suicide, Part 1,” you know that cyberbullying can be a serious threat to young …

How to Not Raise a Cyberbully Read More »

suicide is not romantic

The “Romantic” Ideas Behind Suicide

In episode 15 “Myth BUSTED: Don’t Ask “Are You Suicidal?“‘ we discuss how people sometimes think of suicide almost like a fantasy. They may hold a “romantic” view of suicide. When overwhelmed, they may daydream that suicide would offer them an escape. Often they are not picturing the reality of suicide but a fantasy. This fantasy is reinforced in movies, media, and literature. By far, the most famous example occurs with the star-crossed lovers in …

The “Romantic” Ideas Behind Suicide Read More »