Interview with Dr. Paul Granello About Suicide Part 1
Our interview with Dr. Paul Granello, researcher at Ohio State University with one of the biggest studies on teens and suicide in the world (over 12,000 participants). This is part 1 of the interview.
A little more about Dr. Granello.
He graduated with his M.S. degree in mental health counseling from Stetson University in 1990, and his Ph.D. in counselor education was awarded in 1995 from Ohio University. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervising credentials.
Paul is a founding partner with the Ohio Department of Mental Health in establishing the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. He is currently the recipient of the 1.7 million in federal funds for suicide prevention under the Garrett Lee Smith Act. He has presented and trained on suicide over 150 workshops.
Paul also conducts research on psychotherapy outcomes and the psychological and social characteristics of individual well being. He has published 25 articles in peer reviewed national journals, has authored 9 book chapters on suicide, anxiety, technology in counseling, and wellness. He has co-authored 3 books on the topic of Suicide and is currently writing a book on Wellness Counseling for Prentice Hall.
Paul has presented at state, national, and international conferences on topics related to counseling, suicide, and wellness. He is also dedicated to the local community and has provided numerous workshops on health and wellness topics for both the Ohio State and Columbus communities. He currently is a member of The Ohio State University Campus Wellness Collaborative. Paul received the David Brooks award for Meritorious Service from the Ohio Counseling Association in 2002. The Ohio Association for Counselor Education award for professional service in 2006, and the Ohio University distinguished alumni award in 2007.
Dr. Paul Granello's ideas are undoubtedly well-grounded, well motivated and thoroughly thought over. I can't but agree with most of them. He identifies the following characteristics in a family whose children do not suffer from depression or attempt suicide: 1. Parents admitted mistakes and apologize to their children. 2. Children openly expressed emotions, positive and negative, and were not punished for expressing anger. However, there were logical consequences for breaking family rules. 3. Parents allowed each child’s unique identity to flourish. 4. Parents encouraged their children’s participation in athletics and attended their games. 5. The children had a variety of adult friends they could trust. 6. Parents made friends with their children’s teenage friends. 7. Parents did not criticize with fear or guilt. 8. Parents did not compare one child with another. 9. A belief in God gave an added reservoir of strength. Perhaps, one must try to follow those small rules to make your child's life happier.
So, only 49% of those who were at significant risk for suicide went to their appointment? That's so sad. It's one thing if someone decides not to help their depressed kid get treatment because they don't see it as a big deal...it's another thing if a parent is told that their child is a big *suicide risk*, and they still don't do anything! I didn't know the stigma was THAT strong. Ugh.
There's an 80% cure rate for depression? That's a very positive statistic. I think if more people knew that, it might make a difference when it comes to pursuing treatment. What does it mean to be "cured"?
Interesting interview!