What is Teen Suicide?

The taking of one’s own life between the ages of 11 and 18.

How Many Teens Commit Suicide?

Nearly 5,000 teenagers commit suicide each year.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24.
The ratio of male to female suicides is four to one; however, young women attempt suicide four times more frequently.
White males have the highest increase in suicide.
Reports of suicide clusters, in which one suicide triggers several others within a school or community, have increased.
 

What are the Signs of a Possible Suicide Attempt?

  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Feelings of hopelessness or rejection
  • Depression, in the form of loss of appetite, weight loss, change in sleeping
  • habits, or change in personality
  • Low self-esteem
  • Withdraws from regular activities with family or Friends Hospital
  • Slipping in school performance
  • Talk of suicide, death, or earlier attempts at suicide
  • Abuse of alcohol or drugs
  • Complain of being a bad person or feeling "rotten inside"
  • Give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," and "I won't see you again"
  • Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
  • Have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)

    New Findings on Teen Suicide

    Studies have shown that some people experiencing stress have altered levels of certain brain chemicals
    A family history of suicide is a significant risk factor in a young person.
    Young people tend to repeat the actions of those family members who are close to them
    Biological relatives of a suicidal person are six times more likely to attempt or succeed in suicide than are adoptive relatives

    What Can You Do?

  • If someone you know brings up the subject of suicide, take them seriously.
  • Reassure them that they have someone to turn to, a friend to help them.
  • Don’t lecture about the reasons a person has to live, listen to them.
  • Contact someone for help. Depressive disorders respond well to psychotherapy treatments or the appropriate medication.

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