Suicide
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24 following accidents and homicide. For every completed suicide by youth, it is estimated that 100-200 attempts are made.
While causes of suicide may vary, these tragic occurences are preventable. Many teens face tough challenges, ranging from family conflict or relationship problems to mental health problems like self-harm and depression. All these and more can escalate to situations where teens consider ending their own lives, but with support and the right resources, troubled teens can be empowered to start the process of coping.
What are the warning signs for suicide?
Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
How can I be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide?
If you see someone who is suicidal, there are several steps you can take to help this person:
- Give him or her a helpful resource.
- Take his/her words seriously and respond with compassion.
- Encourage him/her to reach out for help to a friend, family member, counselor, clergy and other community members.
- Take his/her words seriously and respond with compassion.
- Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
- Don't dare him or her to do it.
- Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
- Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
