Just about everyone at some time in his or her life has had or will experience periods of sadness, grief, anxiety, and despair. These feelings are normal emotions when dealing with the paid of rejection, loss of a loved one, or the splitting up of a family. Some teenagers, when faced with these overwhelming fears and emotions, experience much more extreme reactions. Some kids come to the conclusion that there is no way out but suicide (Teen Suicide).

    Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. In the late 1990’s, more teenagers died from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, stroke, birth defects, and lung disease, combined.

    Almost all teens who take their own lives have a diagnosable substance abuse or mental disorder, including depression and/or anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The feelings of loss and hope that often lead to suicide are treatable, if caught in time. It is so important that parents, extended family, school officials, and friends be aware of the symptoms and behaviors that are often present when a teen is contemplating suicide (Teen Suicide).

    Many mental health experts feel that stigma may prevent both teens and their families from seeking mental health treatment. Most teens are not willing to talk openly with their parents about feelings of depression, loss of control, hopelessness, and despair.

    From 1980-1997, the rate of suicide among teenagers aged 15-19 increased by 11 percent. From 1980-1996, the rate increased a staggering 105 percent for African American males aged 15-19. Firearm related suicides accounted for more than 60 percent of the overall increase rate of suicide from 1990-1997.

    In the United States, about 40 percent of residents own guns. Access to guns is an issue that deserves much more attention, especially since it could possibly prevent a rash decision made by a teen, which carries final and devastating consequences. Statistics show that young white males have the greatest risk for suicide; however young black males are rapidly catching up with them.

 

Some of the warning signs of suicide include:
♣    Talking about suicide
♣    Giving personal belongings away
♣    Suddenly calmer, happier
♣    Setting one’s affairs in order
♣    Visiting or calling loved ones and friends
♣    Preoccupation with death
♣    Loss of interest in hobbies or other activities
♣    Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness
♣    Persistent unhappiness, negativity, complaining
♣    Uncontrollable anger with aggressive or destructive behavior
♣    Chronic disobedience
♣    Eating or sleeping problems
♣    Substance or alcohol abuse

It is imperative that a teenager with suicidal thoughts see a physician, psychiatrist, or mental health expert immediately (SAVE).

    In teenagers, anxiety or other depressive illnesses can be disguised as avoidance of school, obsessions, running away, risk-taking behaviors, promiscuousness or unprotected sex, failure to care about their appearance, drug and alcohol abuse, excessive absence from school, separation anxiety, social avoidance, and eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia.

    The following are some ways to help a teenager or young adult who is threatening or contemplating suicide: be direct; talk matter-of-factly and openly about suicide; do not keep their secret – notify family and seek medical help immediately; take action – remove means, such as stockpiled drugs or guns; be willing to listen; don’t lecture, get involved, be available; get help from people or agencies specializing in crisis and suicide prevention.

    Many teenagers, at some point in their lives, contemplate suicide. Most come to the realization that the crisis is temporary, and they have been given the tools by parents or professionals to cope with the situation. On the other hand, kids in crisis sometimes think that they will feel this way forever, or that there is no solution to their dilemma (American Association of Suicidology).

    If a teenager is threatening to hurt or kill him/herself; talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself; trying to find ways and means to kill him/herself by trying to gain access to pills, guns, etc.; or if they are talking or writing about dying or death, seek professional medical help immediately.

    It is a hopeful sign that while the incidence of suicide among teenagers and young adults nearly tripled from 1965 to 1987; teen suicide rates in the past ten years have actually been declining. With increased recognition and treatment, teens will hopefully be given the support system they need to guide them through this difficult time in their lives.

 

“American Association of Suicidology” Dedicated to the Understanding and Prevention of Suicide.        2004. 22, Feb. 2005    http://www.suicidology.org/displaycommon.efm?an=2

“SAVE” Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. Jan. 2004. 22, Feb. 2005     http://www.save.org

 

“Teen Suicide” NAMI. Nov. 1999. 15, Feb. 2005    

    http://www.nami.org/Content/ContengGroups/Helpline1/Teenage_Suicide.htm