Teen Suicide

Suicide is one of our society’s epidemics. According to the latest data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide represented the tenth leading cause of death in the United States in 2009. If this were not alarming enough, suicide is the third leading cause of death among our teenagers.

Recognition of warning signs, early intervention, and immediately seeking help for anyone who expresses thoughts of suicide or attempts suicide are of great importance.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SUICIDE AMONG TEENS?

Adolescence is an extremely stressful period in our development. The transition between childhood and adulthood is marked by enormous changes: hormonal, physical, mental, and emotional. The stress caused by these changes can have a significant impact on the teenager’s life.

Some stressors include:

  • Normal developmental changes
  • Painful events
  • Family dysfunction
  • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
  • School problems or bullying
  • Problems with boyfriend/girlfriend
  • Sexual orientation
  • Mental illness
These stressful factors can be very overwhelming, too embarrassing, or too difficult to overcome for some teenagers. Suicide may erroneously seem like the answer to end their problems and/or internal suffering.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS?

Many warning signs for suicidal behavior are similar to symptoms of depression:

  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Behavioral changes
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Changes in appetite
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities (hanging out with friends, video games)
  • Poor hygiene
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Giving away or throwing out objects of personal value
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Suddenly recovering from a period of depression (maybe after having decided to put an end to their suffering by ending their life)
  • Talk/verbal threats of suicide
Even in the presence of all these warning signs, it is extremely difficult to predict with certainty who will attempt suicide. We do know that the most important risk factor for the prediction of suicide is past suicidal behavior. In other words, a past suicide attempt is the best predictor of a future suicidal act.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO PREVENT SUICIDE?

It is important to recognize the above warning signs. Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent suicide among our children.

Any statement of suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior must be taken seriously. Anyone who expresses thoughts of suicide requires immediate medical evaluation.

Other recommendations include:

  • Maintaining an open communication with our children
  • Making our children feel comfortable to talk to us about their problems/feelings
  • Supporting our children
  • Keeping medications and firearms away from children

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SUICIDE ON THE SURVIVORS?

The effects of suicide on the family can be devastating. People who lose a loved one to suicide tend to feel guilty for the death of their family member, wonder what they could have done to prevent it, or even feel rejected by other family members or friends.

Suicide survivors may experience:

  • Sadness for their loss
  • Anger towards the deceased family member
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder, especially when witness to the suicide or finding the family member after a completed suicide
  • Suicide attempts to reconnect with their lost loved one

As the aftermath of family suicide may have long lasting effects, it is important for survivors of suicide to seek help in dealing with their loss.

HOW TO HELP A SUICIDAL TEEN?

Anyone who expresses thoughts of suicide or attempts suicide should be evaluated immediately:

  • Call 911
  • Take the person to the nearest emergency room, or
  • Look for help from a mental health professional

Psychotherapy and counseling can help the suicidal person deal with his/her feelings or negative thoughts, identify stressors, and strengthen coping skills. Psychiatric medications may also control symptoms of depression, anxiety or any other mental health condition.

Help is also available through telephone hotlines. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255) is an excellent source of support. It is for people in crisis, not just when thinking about suicide. The call is free and confidential and a mental health professional will be available to listen and provide information about mental health services in your community.

Remember…

Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Healthy. Be Strong.

Until next time!

Dr. Felix

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