Why do teenagers commit suicide? Learn the warning signs of suicidal behavior in teenagers.
Many people are unaware of this tragic killer, but suicide is the third leading cause of death among U.S. teens.
Alcohol-related accidents and homicides are the two causes that surpass suicide. What kind of stress and turmoil are teenagers facing to have the three top causes of death include escape, violence and self-destruction? The suicide rate of young teenagers between the age of 10-14 is rising faster than any other group. According to the National Center for Health Statistics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of suicide for the 10-14 age group has increased 120% since 1980. It is thought that in a classroom of 28 pupils it is likely that two girls and one boy have made a suicide attempt in the last year.
These are startling statistics. The most frightening thing about suicide is that it is stigmatized and people are hesitant to talk about their experiences with it. Family members often deny suicide; it is possible that the statistics are underestimating the problem. Parents need to be aware of the problem and ready to address it with their own children should warning signs appear. The first step to prevention is education. The following warning signs are behavioral clues that a teenager needs help:
Alcohol/drug use
Changes in type of music, art, associations. Moves toward music and art laden with death imagery.
Talks about suicide or death constantly.
Exhibits noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Feels like a failure.
Neglects personal hygiene.
Withdraws from family and family.
Ends a relationship with a significant other, boyfriend/girlfriend.
Persistent depressed mood, loss of interest in favored activities.
Change in eating habits.
Decline in school performance.
Previous suicide attempts.
Any of these activities can signal that a teen is in crisis. It is important to open lines of communication in this situation. Parents need to make themselves available, and take time to listen to the individual. A common myth about suicide is that if an individual is not considering suicide and someone brings up the subject, the person in crisis will embrace the idea and make plans accordingly. This is not the case. It is okay to ask an individual who is depressed, or who is exhibiting the above mentioned behaviors, what is going on. If the person is non-responsive the next question should be something along the lines of:
"Are you thinking of hurting yourself?"
"Are you considering suicide?"
"You wouldn't ever take your life, would you?"
The subject needs to be discussed. If the person is not considering suicide, the response will be something like:
"No, it isn't that bad."
"Do I seem that down?"
"You know I wouldn't do something like that."
Usually an individual will not be insulted by the question, and will be reassured that someone is looking out for him/her. Regardless of the relationship to the teen, it is important that someone approach the troubled person and find out what is going on. The Search Institute developed a list of 40 developmental assets that a child needs through adolescence in order to be successful as a person ( i.e. have high self-esteem, be willing to take risks, and able to adapt to new situations). It was determined that one of these assets was that the child have positive relationships with adults other than their parents.
It is important to get involved when a teenager reaches a crisis point. Whether the adult is a church leader, teacher, coach, neighbor, or family friend. The parents can sometimes be too close to the situation and unable to confront the problem as needed.
When talking to the suicidal person there are some simple steps to consider for helping this person.
1. Be up front about concerns; find out how available and detailed their plan of death has become. The more specific the plan, and the more available the means, the more significant the risk.
2. If the person has a specific and lethal plan, it is important to stay with the individual to ensure there is no chance of him/her carrying out the plan. If it is impossible to stay with the person, work with him/her to find a friend, family member, or other responsible party to be with the teen in crisis. Call the person or make him/her call you throughout the day to make sure they are not alone.
3. Get the person help. Contact a local hospital or psychiatric facility. Contact parents or family to alert them of the situation. Make certain that this individual's situation is taken seriously and there is follow through with all parties involved.
4. Use whatever approach possible to install in the suicidal person a sense of hope. Teenagers are usually reacting to temporary situations and suicide is a permanent solution. Let the teen know there is hope and that he/she has the power to get through the crisis and live a fulfilling life.
Suicide is something that affects everyone. It is important to be open and willing to communicate with people who are survivors of suicide, and those who are considering it. The more people know about this tragic killer, the greater the chances of saving young people in crisis mode. A good resource for learning about suicide and preventing it can be found by searching for the Yellow Ribbon web site on any search engine. This is a non-profit organization started by parents of a suicide victim who seek to stop the pain of suicide through education and outreach.
