Fall 2009
 

Things You Should Know  About Preventing Teen Suicide

It is important to take the subject of suicide seriously. While it may not seem right that a teen would choose to die, adolescents who can’t get over their depression sometimes do kill themselves.

Boys commit suicide more often than girls, but no one is immune. In one recent survey of high school students, 60 percent said they had thought about killing themselves. About 9 percent said they had tried at least once.

Why has the youth suicide rate gone so high in recent years?

• It’s easier to get the tools for suicide—boys often use firearms to kill themselves while girls usually use pills
• The pressures of modern life are greater
• Competition for good grades and college admission is stiff
• There’s more violence in the newspapers and on television

In addition, lack of parental interest may be a problem. Growing up in a divorced household or a home where both parents work may limit family time. Young people reported that when they tried to tell their parents about their feelings of unhappiness or failure, their mother and father denied or ignored their point of view.

If you suspect your teen is depressed or thinking about suicide, do not remain silent.

• Ask your teen about it. Don’t be afraid to say the word “suicide." Getting the word out in the open may help your teen think someone has heard her cries for help.

• Reassure him or her that you love them. Remind him that no matter how awful his problems seem, they can be worked out and you are willing to help.

• Ask her to talk about her feelings. Listen carefully. Do not dismiss her problems or get angry with her.

• Remove all lethal weapons from your home, including guns, pills, kitchen utensils, and ropes.

• Seek professional help. Screening programs in schools and as part of regular physicals are a safe and effective way to uncover mental health problems that may lead to suicide. Ask your teen’s primary health care provider to guide you in assessing depression and suicide risk, and in finding appropriate treatment programs.

This article is adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics' Some Things You Should Know About Preventing Teen Suicide, where you will find a list of signs that may suggest a teen is considering suicide.