Now approaching epidemic proportions, suicide is
currently the third leading cause of death among teenagers in the United
States. It is estimated that 300 to 400
teen suicides occur per year in Los Angeles County; this is equivalent to one teenager
lost every day. Evidence indicates that
for every suicide, there are 50 to 100 attempts at suicide. Due to the stigma associated with suicide,
available statistics may well underestimate the problem. Nevertheless, these figures do underscore the
urgent need to seek a solution to the suicide epidemic among our young people.
For every two homicides in the U.S. there are three suicides. Every hours and forty-five minutes another
young person commits suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of
death among college students and the third leading cause of death among youth
overall (ages 15-24).
Teen/youth suicide rates have tripled since
1970.
Previous
suicide attempts
The verbalizing of suicide threats
The giving away of prized personal possessions
The collection and discussion of information
on suicide methods
The expression of hopelessness, helplessness,
and anger at oneself or the world
Themes of death or depression evident in
conversation, written expressions, reading selections, or artwork
Statements or suggestions that the speaker
would not be missed if he or she were gone
The scratching or marking of the body, or
other self-destructive acts
Recent loss of a friend or a family member (or
even a pet)
Acute
personality changes, unusual withdrawal, aggressiveness, moodiness, or new
involvement in high-risk activities
Sudden
dramatic decline or improvement in academic performance, chronic truancy or
tardiness, or running away
Physical symptoms (i.e.
eating disturbances, irregular sleep patterns, chronic headaches or
stomachaches, menstrual irregularities, apathetic appearance)
Use or increased use of substances
One does not
encourage a young person by talking about the issue. Don’t fear addressing it.
Suicidal tendencies are not inherited. Some
young people will fear that possibility.
If the suicidal student makes improvement, the
suicide risk is decreased, but can still exist.
There is no such thing as a “lost cause” when someone is suicidal.
Never assume that talk of suicide is simply a
manipulation for attention. What if you are wrong?
If the suicidal person is in counseling or
therapy, don’t assume they are safe from suicide.
Suicide never just comes “out of the
blue”. There are always personal
reasons for the feelings.
Just because a person is suicidal doesn’t mean
suicide will always be an option.
Having previously failed an attempted suicide
doesn’t protect someone from another attempt.
Call 1-800-SUICIDE - a national crisis hotline links
callers to local crisis centers
For crisis hotline help, please call the
Covenant House nine-line at 1-800-999-9999
For psychological information and referral,
take a look at the American Psychological Association’s site.
Psychiatric referrals are available with the
help of the American Psychiatric Association.
Medical referrals are also available from the American
Medical Association’s “Doctor Finder”
Teen Advice Online
TeenHelp.org
Teen Talk
Last revised: 05/01/02
