Expert offers advice on suicide prevention

As the Sleepy Hollow community mourns a teen who took his own life Monday, an expert is offering suicide prevention advice to parents. Fordham Prep sophomore Owen Kelley ended his life by jumping off

News 12 Staff

Jan 21, 2016, 3:26 AM

Updated 3,206 days ago

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As the Sleepy Hollow community mourns a teen who took his own life Monday, an expert is offering suicide prevention advice to parents.
Fordham Prep sophomore Owen Kelley ended his life by jumping off a platform into the path of an oncoming train at the Philipse Manor Metro-North station.
Experts say there are warning signs to look out for, including if a person is deeply depressed, loses interest in social activities and appears to be saying goodbye.
"Parents need to educate children about the ups and downs, the emotional ups and downs of living in this world for one thing, and being a teenager for another thing," says Dr. Mark Sirkin, a clinical psychologist and associate dean at Mercy College.
Sirkin says parents should also pay close attention to social media because it's typical for a teen to broadcast their intentions or conflicts there.
A memorial Mass for Kelley is planned for students on Thursday at the school.