Teenage Suicide - Risks and Prevention
Overwhelming Depression, Hopelessness, Despair and Death
Suicide amongst teenagers is listed as the third highest cause of death for youth between the ages of 15 - 24, and the fourth leading cause of death between the ages of 10 - 14, within the United States. Disturbing is the fact that, instead of the rates of suicide declining, that rates are rising.
Suicide as the Only Solution to Problems
Unfortunately, suicide is perceived as the only option/solution for teens who see no way out of whatever burdens they are shouldering. Crushing feelings such as depression, utter hopelessness and life stress lead some teenagers to take their own lives.
Risk Factors Leading to Teen Suicide
More specifically, additional factors include:
- Intense emotional, mental, and/or physical stress at home;
- Extreme low self-esteem;
- Inability to find fulfillment within the school setting;
- Drug use;
- Ostracism by peers;
- Loss of a close loved one; and,
- Negative on-line influences.
Teen Behaviors Signaling Concern for Suicide
Besides the risk factors, there are marked, teenage behaviors, which, if witnessed, should give rise to communicating with a health or treatment professional. These include:
- Focusing upon death;
- Specific plans for self-harm;
- The teen verbalizes that no one cares for him/her;
- There have been attempts to kill oneself;
- Isolation;
- Significant, negative changes in demeanor;
- Behaviors that are noticeably dangerous;
- Possessions that are loved and have emotional meanings are gifted to others; and,
- Alliance with groups that idolize death and the taking of one's life.
True, because of the developmental stage of the teenage years, mood swings and changes are not unlikely, not uncommon. However, care should be taken not to dismiss any of the warning signs as normal teen behavior.
According to a recent Focus on the Family Program with Dr. James Dobson (105.9 FM,WBCI, March 5, 2009), the gifted teenager is also at risk for suicide due to intense internal and external pressures to succeed.
Strategies for Preventing Teen Suicide
First, if there is any question, concern or doubt about one's teenager, consulting with a professional immediately cannot be stressed enough! Better to err on the side of caution, then wait and see. Do not let the teenager remain alone, if there is immediate concern of self-harm.
Other Courses of Actions Parents/Caregivers Can Pursue for Suicide Prevention
- Have the teen evaluated for depression;
- Discuss with the treatment provider medication(s) that can treat teenage depression;
- Be sure to let the teenager know that he/she is loved and honored;
- Communicate to the teen that help is available;
- Engage in counseling where developing solid coping skills is a focus; and,
- Explore the option of residential treatment.
First, the teenage years are stressful for developing adolescents as they are leaving childhood and entering into the adult spheres. It would appear to logically follow, that, helping teenagers (through home, school and community resources) during this transition time, would probably go a long way in lowering the suicide rates, with the goal of eliminating teenage suicide completely.
Other relevant articles:
Note to the reader: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek professional help, if there are questions or concerns.
Source
Teensuicide.us (written for a website, no author or date).
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