God Bless America
The suicide rate for 15-19 year olds was higher than it had ever been approaching the 1990s.
By the year 2000, if trends continue, 2 million 15-24 year-olds will attempt suicide in the decade.
Among all ages, suicide claims more American lives than homicide. According to reports of the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, 22,552 Americans died of homicide in 1995, while 31,284 died of suicide.
Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention - adolescent depression.
Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled since 1960, making it the their leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college age youth.
Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be based on long standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts.
Recognizing The Warning Signs
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs:
Suicide threats, direct and indirect
Obsession with death
Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
Dramatic change in personality or appearance
Irrational, bizarre behavior
Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or refection
Changed eating or sleeping patterns
Severe drop in school performance
Giving away belongings
Offer help and listen. Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen, don’t lecture.
Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life.
Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don’t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly!
Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen’s life - family, friends and teacher.
Contact you local Mental Health Association, community mental health center, or:
National Mental Health Association American Academy for Child and
1021 Prince Street Adolescent Psychiatry
Alexandria, VA 22314 3615 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Phone 800-969-6642 Washington, DC 20016
Stigma Watch Line 800-969-NMHA Phone 800-333-2280
TTY 800-433-5959
http://www.nmha.org
American Association of Suicidology 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 310 Washington, DC 20008 Phone 202-237-2280
Links
National Mental Health Association
The Troubles Teens Face
Self Injury (Cutting)
Message Boards
Drugs
Helping Your Children Navigate Their Teenage Years:
FAQ's about Suicide
Meds for Depression
Warning Signs and Risks for Suicide
Bullying and Teasing
