Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors all have a significant impact on the risk of suicide. When a young person decides that they want to end their life because of feelings of hopelessness and frustration, it is extremely devastating to their friends and family. We must come together as a Community to prevent suicides.  WE ARE ONE.

Through education, we can learn about what might lead a teen to suicide and together, we can help prevent further tragedies from occurring. Teens are caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood and feel immense pressure to fit in socially with their peers. Some of the factors that increase the risk of suicide amongst teens are: a pre-existing psychological disorder, a family history of depression, previous suicide attempts, feelings of distress and agitation, undergoing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, and a lack of a support network.

If we can know and share about these factors, we all can be better able to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Education is the first step in prevention. Many adults feel as if young people who say that they want to commit suicide are “doing it for attention,” which ends up discounting their feelings. It is imperative to realize that if teens feel that they are being ignored when seeking attention, it can increase the likelihood of them hurting themselves. It is also important that you listen to what they are saying without making judgements and being dismissive of their feelings.

We MUST break the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage people and our children to speak up about their challenges and to seek solution.  No one is alone.  An attempt at suicide as a cry for help. When a person tries to commit suicide, it doesn’t always mean that they want to end their life, it can also be an indication that they do not know how to handle the pain that they are in. Being a good listener during this time of need, can certainly go a long way. Being a good and attentive listener does not require any special skills. Being there for someone, listening to them and showing that you genuinely care about them can allow them to realize that they are not alone in this.

We must encourage others to get help for their depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness.  Although some suicides can seem like they came out of the blue, those who have died by suicide probably have been undergoing depression for a long time. When you notice even the smallest signs of depression from a friend or loved one, it is crucial to seek out professional assistance in order to prevent suicidal thoughts in the long run. Ongoing conflicts between a loved one and someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can be detrimental.

These teens are feeling isolated, devalued, misunderstood, and suicidal, and being in a conflict with a friend or loved one just adds unnecessary fuel to the fire. These prevention methods mentioned above can serve as a basis for someone who wants to help someone going through a difficult time in their life. For the most part, people who are feeling suicidal are experiencing conditions that will pass in time if they can get the help they need. Educating yourself on suicide and the different ways to prevent it, can end up saving someone’s life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  The Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-227-TALK.  Our Mental Wellness Networking Alliance is here for you, as well.