|
Suicides
among young people nationwide have increased dramatically
in recent years. Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers
commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death
for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death
for 5-to-14-year-olds.
Teenagers
experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt,
pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears
while growing up.
For some
teenagers, divorce, the formation of a new family with step-parents
and step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very
unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. In some cases, suicide
appears to be a "solution."
Depression
and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The
child or adolescent needs to have his or her illness recognized
and diagnosed, and appropriate treatment plans developed.
When parents are in doubt whether their child has a serious
problem, a psychiatric examination can be very helpful.
Many of
the symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of
depression. Parents should be aware of the following signs
of adolescents who may try to kill themselves:
- change
in eating and sleeping habits
- withdrawal
from friends, family, and regular activities
- violent
actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
- drug
and alcohol use
- unusual
neglect of personal appearance
- marked
personality change
- persistent
boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality
of schoolwork
- frequent
complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions,
such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- loss
of interest in pleasurable activities
- not
tolerating praise or rewards
A teenager
who is planning to commit suicide may also:
- 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"
- put
his or her affairs in order, for example, give away favorite
possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important
belongings, etc.
- become
suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
- have
signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)
If a child
or adolescent says, "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going
to commit suicide," always take the statement seriously and
seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or
other physician. People often feel uncomfortable talking about
death. However, asking the child or adolescent whether he
or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful.
Rather than "putting thoughts in the child's head," such a
question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will
give the young person the chance to talk about problems.
If one
or more of these signs occurs, parents need to talk to their
child about their concerns and seek professional help when
the concerns persist. With support from family and professional
treatment, children and teenagers who are suicidal can heal
and return to a more healthy path of development.
For more
information, see Facts for Families;
#3 "Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs,"
#4 "The Depressed Child,"
#37 "Children and Firearms," and
#38 "Manic-Depressive Illness in Teens."
Article
#10 Updated 11/98
|
