Teen Suicide
Trends and Warning Signs of Teen Suicide
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
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By:kim eaves Posted: Nov 08 2006 08:39:12 AM