Psychology, Personality & Behavior

Navigating the Link between Histrionic Personality and Suicidal Ideation: A Parent’s Guide for Prevention

Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
4 min readMay 12, 2023
Histrionic Personality
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Excessive attention-seeking behavior, emotional instability, and exaggerated self-expression are the defining traits of Histrionic personality disorder. Those with this disorder tend to display dramatic, flashy, and attention-grabbing behavior to gain approval and be noticed by others. However, their emotional instability can make it difficult for them to maintain long-term relationships, and they often seek new sources of attention. In addition, they may also struggle with feelings of emptiness and worthlessness, leading them to engage in impulsive and reckless behavior.

Despair and hopelessness may arise in children with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). This mental health condition heightens the risk of suicidal ideation. Emotional regulation and impulsivity can be a struggle for these children. Nevertheless, parental intervention is fundamental in averting these thoughts. In a supportive environment, seeking professional assistance, encouraging independence, and providing necessary coping mechanisms, parents can aid their child in powering through and conquering the connection between HPD and thoughts of taking their life.

Feelings of hopelessness and despair can plague children with histrionic personality disorder, who have difficulty regulating their emotions and being impulsive. Their moods can be unstable and intense, and they may occasionally act recklessly or make bad decisions. Such struggles can lead to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.

histrionic personality
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Looking to tackle suicidal thoughts about their child with HPD, worried parents can always turn to authentic mental health professionals for expert assistance. These trained specialists can offer various solutions, from therapeutic options to medication and other interventions. Collaborating with these professionals, the parents can develop a personalized treatment plan catering to their child’s unique necessities. The implemented program can improve the child’s coping abilities and bolster their emotional regulation. Moreover, parents can show supportiveness and accommodation by listening to their children, recognizing their feelings, and providing them with an uplifting and positive affirmation.

To keep suicidal thoughts at bay in children, parents should focus on building their resilience. Resilience is the crucial attribute that lets kids tackle life’s troubles. For those diagnosed with HPD, fostering resilience can be even more helpful. It helps them find meaning and purpose and boosts their sense of well-being. Furthermore, promoting resilience in children lays the foundation for healthy relationships, which has a ripple effect on social support and a feeling of belonging.

To reduce stigmatization surrounding mental health and improve access to mental health resources, parents play a pivotal role in encouraging their children to seek help. An open discussion about mental health and the strength of seeking help can help children understand the benefits of seeking help. By seeking professional help like therapy or support groups, parents can provide their children with the strategies to manage their mental health conditions effectively.

Suicidal thoughts may not always accompany Histrionic personality disorder. Although suicidal tendencies may be prevalent amongst young patients with HPD, it is not inevitable. Other accompanying factors like substance misuse or past traumatic experiences can also be possible triggers. Furthermore, the connection between HPD and suicidal tendencies might be overstated, with more research required to gain better insight into their correlation.

It is a difficult task for parents to prevent suicidal thoughts in children who have HPD. Even though professional assistance and a caring ambiance can be beneficial, they might not always be the ultimate solution. Therapy could be challenging for children with HPD, and medicine may be ineffective. Furthermore, suicidal tendencies might arise from external factors like addiction or distress, complicating the prevention process for parents.

Suicidal thoughts cannot always be prevented by building resilience, despite their usefulness in managing mental health struggles. Those with HPD may struggle to cultivate or utilize strength to combat their mental health condition. Moreover, power can only go so far in dealing with the root causes of suicidal thinking, such as substance abuse or traumatic experiences.

Sometimes, prompting kids to reach out for assistance isn’t successful. They may be hesitant due to prejudices or other hindrances, including a deficiency of psychological support. Furthermore, mental health support may be rigid, notably in remote or underprivileged locales. Although mothers and fathers can decrease the slurs regarding mental health and expand access to collective aid, they may be powerless to surpass these blocks.

To prevent suicidal ideation in children with histrionic personality disorder, parents are critical figures. They can help in numerous ways: consulting experts, fostering an encouraging atmosphere, aiding the building of coping mechanisms, and urging their children to seek aid when necessary. As with all things, these endeavors may have impediments and drawbacks, but they remain crucial to uplifting children with HPD and bolstering their emotional stability and happiness.

Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder require attention from a mental health provider, whether for yourself or someone you know. Seeking professional help is crucial for effective treatment and managing symptoms. Therapy, medication, or involvement in support groups could be potential options to boost overall well-being.

Citation

Z. (n.d.). Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) — Psychiatric Disorders — MSD Manual Professional Edition. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/histrionic-personality-disorder-hpd?query=histrionic

Originally published at https://original.newsbreak.com.

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Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
Dr. ADAM TABRIZ

Written by Dr. ADAM TABRIZ

In this vast tapestry of existence, I weave my thoughts and observations about all facets of life, offering a perspective that is uniquely my own.

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