Suicide

Suicide

What Invokes Suicidal Tendencies

Instead of saying "I'm feeling so alone (helpless, hopeless and worthless) that it's unbearable and I can't think of a way to escape the pain." a teen may say , "I want to die."

When a teen threatens suicide they feel desperate and are asking for help. Often, suicidal teens are in so much emotional pain that they are unable to think of anything good about themselves or their lives. What they need most is help in coping and considering ways to solve their problems. It is important to get help.

Suicide is currently the third leading cause for adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 years old according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control in 1995.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you need to immediately tell an adult you trust. He or she can help you or your friend get the counseling or treatment that you/they need.

How to Identify Potential Suicide

There are links between mental health and suicide. Psychological autopsy studies show:

* 90% of teens who die by suicide suffer from a diagnosable mental illness at their time of death

* Psychiatric symptoms developed more than a year prior to death in 63% of completed suicides

* Suicide is not the unpredictable event we once thought it was. Often there are subtle clues that someone is seriously thinking about suicide. These clues or hints should always be taken seriously.

Suicide Clues or Danger Signals:

* Previous suicide attempts

* Statements about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless

* Statements about being a burden to others

* Behavior or statements that indicate

* The individual talks or writes about suicide

* Has dramatic mood swings

* Isolates him or herself, especially from loved ones and activities he/she used to enjoy

* Engages in risky behaviors like driving too fast, using alcohol/drugs, or fighting

* Drastically increases alcohol or drug use

* Giving away valued possessions

Remember:

1. Most suicidal teens aren't really trying to die

2. Talking about suicide is a way to help a suicidal person. If someone you know is hinting about suicide, talk about it with them. Assume the person is serious. Stay calm and show concern. Stay close to the person while you tell a responsible trusted adult that help is needed. Remain with the person until professional help is available.