Suicide is the third leading cause of death in people between the ages of 15 and 24 after motor vehicle accidents and homicides.

 

The incidence of teen suicide rose in four years from representing 6.7 percent of each 100,000 adolescent deaths in 2003 to 9.4 percent in 2007, according to the most recent figures released in September 2007 by the National Centers for Disease Control.

 

No one has advanced a good theory explaining why teens are taking their own lives in greater numbers, but it's important for everyone to be aware of the problem.

Research has found that the major risk factors of suicide among young people are depression, substance abuse, behavior problems, availability of a gun, previous suicide attempts, a family history of depression or substance abuse, and a recent traumatic event.

 Signs of developing depression in teens include:

Unhappiness

Gradual withdrawal into helplessness and apathy

Isolated behavior

Drop in school performance

Loss of interest in activities that formerly were sources of enjoyment

Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness

Fatigue or lack of energy or motivation

Change in sleep habits

Change in eating habits

Self-neglect

Preoccupation with sad thoughts or death

Loss of concentration

Increase in physical complaints

Sudden outbursts of temper

Reckless or dangerous behavior

Increased drug or alcohol abuse

Irritability; restlessness
GET HELP

 

No talk of suicide should be taken lightly.  It indicates the need for immediate professional help.  Any suicidal gesture, no matter how "harmless" it seems, demands immediate professional attention.

 

Risk getting involved. If you suspect suicidal thoughts or behavior, ask the teen directly if she or he is considering suicide. Don't avoid the subject or wait for the teen to come to you.

 

Be alert to the teen's feelings. The severity of the problem should be judged from the teen's perception, not by adult standards.  If a teen perceives something as a problem, it is a problem for him or her.

 

Never agree to keep the discussion of suicide with a teen a secret.  Agree to give help and support in getting professional help.

 

Never leave a suicidal person alone.  Get help!

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