Suicide in Teen

In the United States, suicide among young people has been and continues to be a serious problem. Studies show that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. Between 1999 and 2008, a total of 43,501 young people aged 10-24 lost their lives to suicide, accounting for 4,400 deaths in this age group annually. Although there are many factors that contribute to suicide such as stress, pear pressure, and bullying, the major cause is development of self-identity. According to Erikson 's Stages of Psychosocial Development, adolescents 12 to 18 years old “… need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to (themselves,) while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.” Failure disposes the teen toward depression and suicide. Parents, caregivers, schools, and healthcare providers need training and guidance in order to recognize the sign and symptoms of depression and suicide. The first and most important step is to recognize the problem. Once we acknowledge that there is a problem, parents need to try to talk to the teen. An honest, open talk about feelings can often help; in addition, it is important to speak with the teen’s teachers, physicians, and other adults who know them well. After recognizing that there are problems, then immediately seek help from qualified mental health professionals. With family support and proper treatment, teenagers can flourish in life and return to a more healthy developmental stage.
The following are signs which may indicate adolescents who may try to kill themselves.
? change in eating and sleeping habits
? withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
? violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
? drug and alcohol use
? unusual neglect of personal appearance
? marked personality change
? persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of Schoolwork
? frequent complaints about

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