Advising peers and parents on teens and suicide

 While some people are verbal about their emotional or physical pain and feeling suicidal, some people are not and are good at hiding it. They appear cheerful and happy with their lives and no one really knows what is happening in private because no one is asking. An important part of suicide prevention training is learning how to talk and listen to people who are hiding their real selves. Teen suicide is one of the leading causes of death in that age group and it is important to know what the warning signs are and what types of behavior to look out for.

Youth suicide prevention - some warning signs

  • Losing their appetite even for favorite foods
  • Losing weight
  • Depression
  • Acting out in anger or being hostile
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness
  • Withdrawing from people and isolating themselves or them becoming isolated
  • A break up of a relationship
  • Being overly focused on death
  • Not being able to sleep or oversleeping
  • Giving away possessions
  • Drinking too much and taking illegal substances
  • Having a lot of sex in dangerous situations
  • Physically lashing out
  • Not being able to carry out normal tasks
  • Not doing well at school
  • Not smiling or laughing
  • Not going to school

Some typical suicidal behaviors to be aware of

Somewhere between ⅔ to ¾ of suicides are done using a gun. Girls are more likely to try to kill themselves but guys are more likely to do it successfully. Males tend to use guns or hanging and girls tend to use medications or a type of self-injury. Not all teens who think about suicide are depressed but some are. While some might plan it carefully, often it is an impulsive act when they are overwhelmed or especially low. Rape, abuse, bullying, unplanned pregnancy, a breakup, or coming out are things that might lead to an attempt. Situations where teens are overwhelmed, feeling alone, rejected, and humiliated are conditions that can lead to it. These are things you will cover more in suicide prevention training.

Teen suicide risk factors

Some things that make teens more at risk of attempting suicide include;

  • A recent loss which includes a death or a breakup or even a divorce
  • Already having made previous attempts to commit suicide
  • Living in a home where there is violence
  • Having access to guns makes it easier for them to act on their pain
  • Abusing alcohol and/or drugs
  • Poor communication in the immediate family, and anger can lead to depression
  • Failing at something such as schooling, getting into a team, a driving test, or just generally feeling like they fail at everything they try

Conclusion

If someone you know says they are going to kill themselves or that they want to kill themselves it should be taken seriously. If you are a friend or a peer then it is important to have at least one trusted adult you can talk to and make sure they are taking it seriously too. This is the best way to be successful in youth suicide prevention.

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