Teen Suicide

Teen Suicide - definition, factors that increase the risk, symptoms and signs, treatment, support groups and organizations.

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If a child or adolescent says, I want to kill myself, or I'm going to commit suicide, always take the statement very seriously. In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students, the third-leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24 years, and the sixth-leading cause of death among those aged 5 to 14 years. From 1980 to 1996, the rate of suicide among African-American males aged 15 to 19 years increased by 105 percent. Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys, and girls tend to attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves. Boys die by suicide about four times more often than girls, perhaps because they tend to use more lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights. 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death.

Factors That Increase the Risk

the presence of a psychological disorder, especially depression
feelings of distress, hopelessness, or agitation
feelings of worthlessness that often accompany depression
a previous suicide attempt
a family history fo depression and suicide
having suffered physical or sexual abuse
lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents and/or peers, and feelings of social isolation

Symptoms and Signs

Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
Drug and alcohol abuse
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
Complaints of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside
Giving verbal hints with statements such as: I won't be a problem for you much longer, Nothing matters, It's no use, I won't see you again
Putting his/her affairs in order, giving away the most prized possession, throwing away important papers/belongings
Becoming suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
Having signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)

Treatment

Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. If you suspect that your teen has suicidal thoughts:

Ask your teenager about it. Do not be afraid to use the word "suicide." Getting the word out in the open may help your teen think someone has heard his/her cries for help.
Reassure your teen that you love him/her. Remind him/her that no matter how awful the problem seems, it can be worked out.
Ask him/her to talk about feelings. Listen carefully. Do not dismiss the the problems or get angry. Trust your instincts.
Remove all lethal weapons from your home, including guns, pills, kitchen utensils, and rope.
Seek professional help. If it seems that the situation may be serious, be prompt. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life. Immediate hospitalization might be necessary, as well as follow-up therapy sessions. A stay in a Residential Treatment Center for safety and intensive therapy might be necessary.
Alert key adults in the teen's life - family members, friends, and teachers.

Support Groups and Organizations

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-3007
Phone: 202/966-7300
Fax: 202/966-2891
Web site: www.aacap.org

American Association of Suicidolgy
4201 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 408
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202/237-2280
Fax: 202/237-2282
Web site: www.suicidology.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
120 Wall St., 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: 888/333-AFSP (toll-free)
212/363-3500
Fax: 212/363-6237
Web site: www.afsp.org

SA / VE (Suicide Awareness / Voices of Education)
P.O. Box 24507
Minneapolis, MN 55424-0507
Phone: 612/946-7998
Web site: www.save.org

SPAN (Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network)
5034 Odin's Way
Marietta, GA 30068
Phone: 888/649-1366 (toll-free)
Fax: 770/642-1419
Web site: www.spanusa.org

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
P.O. Box 644
Westminster, CO 80030-0644
Phone: 303/429-3530
Fax: 303/426-4496
Web site: www.yellowribbon.org