Teen Suicide- Identifying the Risk Factors
To contemplate suicide at any age is awful. When it involves a teenager, who has a life full of potential ahead of them, it is almost too awful. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24 and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students.
Teenage Suicide Statistics
The statistics and methods for calculating mortality can differ in different countries but one thing is clear, teen suicide is on the increase. The statistics suggest that while women make more attempts at suicide, men are more likely to succeed. In fact there are 4 male suicides for every 1 female suicide.
In the course of development adolescence is recognized as one of the most volatile. Adolescence is characterized by role change; communication can be problematic; teens often feel very isolated. Sometimes an event in life can seem so terrible and painful that suicide is viewed as the only solution.
Some suicides are planned and some are impulsive. The list below gives some warning signs that a teen may be seriously considering suicide. If a parent or friend knows what to look out for, it may help avoid another teen suicide.
Teenage Suicide Warning Signs
Teen Suicide Risk Factors
There are times in a teenagers life that can contribute or make a teen more vulnerable to a suicidal act. These include;
The breakup of a relationship with a girlfriend. This is one of the most common causes and a very significant event.
Failing or doing badly in a test
Feeling badly humiliated
Recent loss of a friend, a family member, a pet from death or suicide. Sometimes, very rarely, a suicide in a school or community can act as a trigger for other teens
Loss of a parent due to divorce
Abuse
Being a victim of bullying
Problems with the law
An unplanned pregnancy
Causing injury or death to another person
An anniversary of a tragic event
Some of the signs are more obvious than others. It may be a combination of them that will be significant and an expert in the field will be able to make that judgement and provide the support and possible treatment the person needs.
Getting Help for those at Suicide Risk
Getting help for teens expressing suicidal intent or showing the warning signs is so important. There are a number of avenues open to you to get the teenager the help they need.
Support and reassurance are important. Help is available from a number of different sources; school, school councilors, teachers, family doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, voluntary organizations, community mental health center, local hospital or social agency.
In Urgent Situations
Contact your family doctor, or consult a mental health doctor urgently
If a teen is in what you believe to be in imminent danger call 911, do not leave them.
If the guardian of the affected teen does not seem to respond to your information to help and you believe the teen is at risk of suicide contact your local family or psychiatric services and they can make an evaluation. Sometimes a parent or guardian is unable to see or judge the urgency of the situation.
Teen Suicide Cannot Always be Prevented
Teen suicide may come with no warnings signs or warning signs may be missed and intent misjudged. Experts in the field can find it difficult to judge a person's mental state, so it is no suprise that parents and friends do not recognise warning signs and take the right steps to try to prevent teen suicide.
Dedication
This article is in memory of Ollie; a fantastic, popular, warm and fun-loving 16 year old who took his life in November 2004. He is very much missed by his family and friends.