By Steve Floyd, MSED, LCPC, Agape Counseling
With several teen suicides in Central Illinois recently, getting information out about teenage suicide — and how to help prevent it — can never be done enough. What makes it most tragic is that a teen’s life has ended when it should just be getting started. Adolescence can be a confusing time for many teens: the desire to fit in with their peer group, and at the same time be unique and special, leaves teens struggling with their identity. This is a time when they are trying to decide what to be when they grow up, and they worry about meeting expectations of parents and family, as well as sorting out sexual impulses. They have little experience dealing with conflicts, sadness, anxiety, anger, or realizing that we all go through similar situations. Teens often feel that no other person knows how they feel, and when they feel all hope is gone, see suicide as a possible solution.
The facts are scary. According to the U.S. Center For Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people, ages 15 to 24, and sixth leading cause of death in youth ages 5 to 14. One in five teens has seriously considered suicide.
Risk Factors
The number one risk factor of teenage suicide is the presence of a psychiatric disorder such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar, or a psychotic disorder. Ninety-five percent of people who die by suicide have a psychiatric disorder at the time of death. Drug and alcohol use greatly increases the risk as well. Other factors include: a family history of depression or suicide, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse; overexposure to violence; or lack of a support network leaving them feeling isolated. Thoughts of suicide often come after real or perceived losses.
Teens can be impulsive, not thinking through the lasting impact of their decisions. Additionally, they may have feelings of low self-esteem, self-doubt, guilt, and/or think of themselves as being a bad person. They could be dealing with homosexual and bi-sexual issues. Transitions and stressful changes such as moving to a new school, town, or state, as well as parents divorcing, can overwhelm them.
Some Observable Warning Signs:
- Extreme changes in personality or behaviors
- Sleeping more, eating less, or hanging out with new friends
- Increase in alcohol or drug use
- Increase in physical complaints
- Breakup with their girl/boyfriend
- Talking more about suicide, death, or dying
- Writing songs or poetry about suicide, death, dying
- Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed
- Expressing loss of hope, feeling helpless, or being unhappy
- Increase in risk-taking behaviors
- Low energy level, they always seem to be tired
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves from family and friends
Prevention
Show an interest by spending time with your teen as this decreases feelings of isolation. Listen to them when they speak. People often attempt to communicate that they are considering suicide. Take it seriously when they do. Don’t say, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Instead, allow them to verbalize how they feel and let them know everyone has those feelings at times. Ask questions, even the tough one: “Are you thinking of suicide?” Become familiar with and watch for those risk factors and warning signs listed above. Affirm their self-worth, and help them to feel accepted for who they are. Give them a sense of hope for the better. Encourage them to be involved in school and community activities. When you recognize mental and/or emotional problems, encourage them to seek counseling. Additionally, safely store firearms and medications, and above all, let them know they are loved.
This information comes from several Internet sources. It has been collated and condensed for a quick reference on adolescent suicide. I hope that it helps you develop a better understanding of teens and what you can do to help them better cope with their struggles.
Does this article hit home with you or someone you know? We can help. The Peoria office number is 309-692-4433. Agape Counseling, LTDF, is a group of Christian counselors, social workers, psychologists and support staff committed to a therapeutic process that ministers to the whole person. Their Peoria office is located at 2001 W. Willow Knolls, Suite 110. The Morton location is 75 E. Queenwood Road. Visit: www.agapecounselors.net.
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