Teen Suicide
June 29th 2007 20:44
Suicides among young people nationwide have increased dramatically in recent years. Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds.
Teenagers experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up.
For some teenagers, divorce, the formation of a new family with step-parents and step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. In some cases, suicide appears to be a "solution."
Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The child or adolescent needs to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed, and appropriate treatment plans developed. When parents are in doubt whether their child has a serious problem, a psychiatric examination can be very helpful.
Many of the symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression. Parents should be aware of the following signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves:
•change in eating and sleeping habits
•withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
•violent actions or running away
•drug and alcohol use
•unusual neglect of personal appearance
•marked personality change
•persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
•frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
•loss of interest in pleasurable activities
•not tolerating praise or rewards
A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also:
•complain of being a bad person or feeling "rotten inside"
•give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," and "I won't see you again"
•put his or her affairs in order, for example, give away favorite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc.
•become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
•have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)
If a child or adolescent says, "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide," always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other physician. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than "putting thoughts in the child's head," such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems.
If one or more of these signs occurs, parents need to talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help when the concerns persist. With support from family and professional treatment, children and teenagers who are suicidal can heal and return to a more healthy path of development.
Copyright © 2003 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Teenagers experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up.
For some teenagers, divorce, the formation of a new family with step-parents and step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. In some cases, suicide appears to be a "solution."
Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The child or adolescent needs to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed, and appropriate treatment plans developed. When parents are in doubt whether their child has a serious problem, a psychiatric examination can be very helpful.
Many of the symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression. Parents should be aware of the following signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves:
•change in eating and sleeping habits
•withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
•violent actions or running away
•drug and alcohol use
•unusual neglect of personal appearance
•marked personality change
•frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
•loss of interest in pleasurable activities
•not tolerating praise or rewards
A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also:
•complain of being a bad person or feeling "rotten inside"
•give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," and "I won't see you again"
•put his or her affairs in order, for example, give away favorite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc.
•become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
•have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)
If a child or adolescent says, "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide," always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other physician. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than "putting thoughts in the child's head," such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems.
If one or more of these signs occurs, parents need to talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help when the concerns persist. With support from family and professional treatment, children and teenagers who are suicidal can heal and return to a more healthy path of development.
Copyright © 2003 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Excellent article you have provided us with.
Teen suicide is, indeed, a very sad thing. It makes me ache.
Bringing up children is not easy.
katyzzz...but very worthwhile.
Comment by David
Love the graphic. It reminds me of the NZ film 'Heavenly Creatures'.
I won't comment on the topic for obvious reasons.
David ...
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I hope that this article finds it's way into the "right hands". Bringing up children is a stressful society has many unintended consequences.
Thanks for the compliment.
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I am glad that you enjoyed the graphic. I find it very haunting. Sorry about the timing. It was on autopost. Will discuss it with you ol. Good to see you.
Mis
Comment by David
Don't worry about the autoposting. My real views on suicide compared to what I'll write in a creative writing blog? Opposite.
I'm just a sick pup I guess. People should thank me, worship me and adore me on Orble? I get the rusty cogs in their brains in motion? Or get them to express a bit of emotion? Loco-Motion?
David ...
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
I do agree that the percentage of potential suicide is increasing in the young age group these days.
Parents sometimes (or perhaps mostly in some cases) plays a major role in leading these young souls falling into the abyss of depression.
All parents have to take notice about this and stop pushing them to the endge of the cliff. No doubt about it.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Another great post. I really like the comments about parents taking notice of their children's behaviour and not being afraid to talk about suicide with their kids if they are worried.
Not saying anything can be more damaging than saying that wrong things some times
Kylie
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
I have a feeling that a lot of guys I know suffer from some kinds of depression, but feel that they can't talk about it.
Anyway, great article, and good photo too.
Comment by tlcorbin-raginravensview
Never underestimate the influence of involved parenting from two dedicated parents.
Raven
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
My real views on suicide compared to what I'll write in a creative writing blog? Opposite.
Friend I know that for sure... you are a kind compassionate person...oh snap...the cat's out of the bag you miscreant! (hahahaha)
I get the rusty cogs in their brains in motion? Or get them to express a bit of emotion? Loco-Motion?
I would have to agree that ...everyone loves a good villian or a moral conflict. Thanks for bringing it....
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Parents sometimes (or perhaps mostly in some cases) plays a major role in leading these young souls falling into the abyss of depression.
Cruel parents seem to be a common denominator with depressed folks and I would also say that involved parents are "vaccinations" in some cases. On the other hand, I will have to say that I have worked with several patients that even with loving and involved parents and many friends.... still chose death over life.
Thanks for visiting, reading, and commenting. I will come to your place as soon as possible to check it out!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Thanks you so much for your kind words.
Not saying anything can be more damaging than saying that wrong things some times
Amen Sister!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I am glad that you found this post meaningful to you. Suicide has touched many lives and hearts.
I have a feeling that a lot of guys I know suffer from some kinds of depression, but feel that they can't talk about it. This is very true and disturbing. Many a suicide note is left noting this exact sentiment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
No shit bro.... kids need their parents and adults who love them to be active in their lives!
Mis