Youth Suicide And Its Prevention
Teens face a lot of things that can act as external and internal stressors such as physiological change, social and neurological challenges. Sometimes they can feel trapped and need help. Suicide prevention means connecting with them and seeing the warning signs and offering key support. Every day there are about 12 teen suicides which means about 5000 teens die every year. Girls are more likely to make the attempt but boys are more likely to be successful though that gap is narrowing. Here is a look at how we can all help to reduce teen suicides.
How we can help to reduce suicide among teens?
One of the big things you will see emphasized in any suicide prevention resources is the importance of opening communication with teens you are concerned about. Talking about it very frankly does not mean you will drive them to do it. You can start by saying you are worried about them and use phrases that are direct and then open-ended. For example, ‘I saw you were getting really angry with something earlier. How are you doing?’ Try to avoid lecturing or dismissing what they have to say. Really take the time to listen to them and be as patient as you can. Validate their feelings and do not dismiss their perspective. As well as listing to what they say, also look at their body language.
If you are satisfied with their response you can back off but if you are still concerned you can directly ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. If they say yes then ask them if they have a plan. If they say yes they need help straight away and they should not left alone. You can look online, call a crisis line or go to the hospital. Use suicide prevention resources to create a safety plan.
Preventing suicide in different settings
Suicide prevention at home and at school;
- Help them work out their strengths
- Help them have better connections with other peers, adults and family so they have a stronger support network
- Give them messages of strength, overcoming problems and being optimistic
- Recognize and resolve trauma whether from the past or still ongoing
- Improve the strength of your relationship with the teen
- Identify and treat mental health disorders and challenges
- Communicate the expectations you have for them in a positive way, offer them support and get them to participate more
Teens staying mentally healthy
If you are a youth and want to know what can you do to stay mentally strong you should;
- Maintain positive relationships with friends, family and trusted adults.
- Build on relationships to make them stronger.
- Get help when you need it from a crisis line, parent, friend, or trusted adult.
- Do things you love to do even when you are not feeling it.
- Develop a passion for something, whether a hobby, exercise or something else.
- Try to keep yourself physically healthy as well. Being physically healthy can have a big impact on your mental well-being.
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