One of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers is suicide. The
Centers for Disease control report that it is the third leading cause
of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24. Even
more disturbing is the fact that suicide is the fourth leading cause of
death for children between the ages of 10 and 14.
Teen suicide is a very real issue today in the United State and is on the rise. In order to prevent teen suicide, it is vital to
recognize what leads to it, and then treat the causes.
Why are teens so sad? What makes them take that final step to end their pain? These are questions maybe as a community or personally we don't want to talk about, but shouldn't we before it is too late.
Most teens interviewed after making a suicide attempt say that they did
it because they were trying to escape from a situation that seemed
impossible to deal with or to get relief from really bad thoughts or
feelings.
Some people who end their lives or attempt suicide might be trying to
escape feelings of rejection, hurt, or loss. Others might be angry,
ashamed, or guilty about something. Some people may be worried about
disappointing friends or family members. While some may feel unwanted,
unloved, victimized, or like they're a burden to others.
Causes of teen suicide
There are several different factors that may lead a teenager to take
his or her life, but the most common is depression. Feelings of
hopelessness and anxiety, along with feelings of being trapped in a
life that one can't handle, are very real contributors to teen suicide. In some cases, teenagers believe that suicide is the only way to solve
their problems. The pressures of life seem too much to cope with, and
some teenagers look at suicide as a welcome escape. Other factors that may contribute to teen suicide include:
Divorce of parents.
Violence in the home.
Inability to find success at school.
Feelings of worthlessness.
Rejection by friends or peers.
Substance abuse.
Death of someone close to the teenager.
The suicide of a friend or someone he or she "knows" online.
Risk factors for teenage suicide
Teen suicide statistics offer a look at the most likely causes of
teen suicide. Some of the strongest teenage suicide risk factors
include the following:
Aggressive behavior
Disruptive behavior
Substance abuse
Depression
Warning Signs
There are often signs that someone may be thinking about or planning a suicide attempt. Here are some of them:
- talking about suicide or death in general
- talking about "going away"
- referring to things they "won't be needing," and giving away possessions
- talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
- pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out
- having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities
- having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits
- engaging in self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting)
 
Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a Free, 24-hour hotline is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or
emotional distress. Call for yourself or someone you care about it is free and confidential. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis
center to you. A network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide are available 24/7.
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