The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. In 2017, there were approximately 2,200 teen suicides. Suicide is defined as intentionally ending one’s own life. Risk factors for suicide include mental health disorders, substance abuse, bullying, and exposure to violence.
Warning signs that a teenager may be considering suicide include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about being a burden to others, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, withdrawing from friends and activities, abnormal mood swings, and giving away prized possessions.
Teenage suicide occurs with alarming frequency, and it is mostly caused by three primary factors: depression, substance misuse, and relationships. This devastating problem has been on the rise in the United States in the last decade, and only recently has any serious consideration been given to its causes. Suicide is the third most common cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 25 years old, after accidents and homicide.
Every day, an average of four teenagers in the U.S. take their own lives. The most common cause of teenage suicide is depression. It is estimated that 20 percent of teenagers suffer from some form of clinical depression, and that number is on the rise. Depression can be brought on by any number of factors: bullying, academic pressure, family problems, relationship problems, etc. For many teenagers, it feels like there is no way out and that their problems will never end. This type of thinking can lead them to believe that suicide is the only solution.
Substance abuse is another major factor in teenage suicide. Many teenagers turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their problems or escape reality. Unfortunately, this only makes things worse. Not only do teenagers who abuse substances have a higher risk of depression, but they are also more likely to act on their suicidal thoughts.
Finally, relationships can play a big role in teenage suicide. Breakups, bullying, and social media can all contribute to feelings of isolation and worthlessness. In a world where teenagers are constantly bombarded with messages about how they should look and behave, it’s no wonder that so many of them feel like they don’t measure up. When they believe that there is no one who cares about them or understands them, suicide can seem like the only way out.
Before they attempt suicide, most teenagers exhibit a variety of warning signals. As a result, in the vast majority of situations, suicide is preventable. The most common cause of adolescent suicide is depression. Depression is an illness that affects the human mind and causes afflicted people to act and respond abnormally toward others and themselves. It’s therefore no surprise that adolescent sadness is highly linked to teenage suicide.
A major sign of depression is an alteration in eating and sleeping habits. Most teenagers who attempt suicide suffer from depression. Other warning signs of teenage suicide include talking about death or wanting to die, writing or drawing pictures about death, giving away prized possessions, making final arrangements such as setting one’s affairs in order and getting one’s will in order, becoming withdrawn and isolate, exhibiting a sudden change in personality or appearance, losing interest in hobbies, activities, work, school, etc., engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or recklessness.
If you are concerned that someone you know may be considering suicide, there are a few things you can do to help. The most important thing is to talk to the person. Let them know that you care and are here to listen. Try to keep an open mind and avoid judging them.
It is also important to avoid telling them that they are just going through a phase or that they will get over it. teenagers who are considering suicide often feel like they are a burden to others and that everyone would be better off without them. Telling them that their feelings are not valid or that they are just imagining things can make them feel worse and may push them further towards suicide.
Adolescent suicide is now the third-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 19, surpassing cardiovascular disease and cancer (Blackman, 1995). Despite this higher suicide rate, adolescent depression is inadequately diagnosed and has far-reaching effects in school, job, and personal adjustment that may last into adulthood.
Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for teenagers in North America. Each year, approximately 4,500 teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for college students.
Most teens who attempt suicide give some type of warning sign. The best way to prevent teen suicide is to recognize these warning signs and get professional help. Warning signs of teen suicide include:
– Talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself
– Expressing feelings of hopelessness
– talking about being a burden to others
– increasing alcohol or drug abuse
– withdrawing from friends and activities
– abnormal mood swings
– giving away prized possessions
– impulsive or aggressive behavior
– changes in eating and sleeping habits
– drastic changes in behavior
– failing grades or quitting school
– loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or other activities
– running away from home
– talking about being trapped or feeling hopeless
– expressing feelings of unbearable pain.
Adolescence is a period of emotional upheaval, mood swings, gloomy thoughts, and heightened sensitivity. It’s a time of defiance and discovery. Blackman (1995) pointed out that determining depressive symptoms that might be overlaid on top of a more transitory but expected developmental storm is difficult. As a result, the task should not be relegated to physicians alone, but it should include parents, teachers, and other adults who deal with the youngster on a regular basis.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teenagers. Each day in America, approximately six teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is now responsible for more deaths in teenagers and young adults than cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Suicide does not discriminate. The myth that only gay and lesbian teenagers attempt or commit suicide is just that, a myth. Any teenager from any walk of life can attempt or commit suicide.
