The Third-Leading Cause Of Teen Suicide
“From 1952 to 1994 the incidence of suicide among adolescents and young adults nearly tripled” (Concerns about Adolescent Suicide). Teen suicide is a spreading epidemic amongst teenagers all across the United States. From ages ten to twenty-four, suicide is the third leading cause of death following close behind automobile accidents and homicides. Teen suicide, the act of taking one’s own life (Youth Suicide), should not be the first response to a teenager’s life crisis, especially when support and aid are available around the clock. Through educating teens, families, friends, schools, and communities about the warning signs of teen suicide, there is hope is that one day there will be no reasons to take one’s own life.
There are many reasons a teenager may consider committing suicide. Being a teen is part of the gray area in life; right after being a kid and right before becoming an adult. Puberty strikes around age eleven and creates hormonal instabilities. Suddenly, there is a rush of pressure to fit in socially with other peers. Teens start to take interest in the opposite or the same sex, and this arouses impulsive behavior especially when relationships turn bad. Numerical grades enter like a hanging time bomb over their head and more pressure gets added to perform academically (About Teen …show more content…
Suicide). At the age of sixteen, in most states, teenagers get their driver's license and start to receive more freedom. More freedom also leads to more responsibilities and independent decision making. With the constant changes in their life, these young teens also may experience family break-ups, the creation of a new family, court appearances, sexual abuse, expulsion from school, rejection from loved ones, financial uncertainties, self-doubt, confusion, substance abuse, mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and insomnia that can cause them great deals of stress (About Teen Suicide; Teen Suicide; What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?). These problems in their life create them to feel worthless, hated, sad, angry, and worst of all as if there's no better solution than to kill themselves. They feel that if they do decide to commit, all their problems will be solved and everything will be over with. Once the teen has decided on their solution of suicide, they have an overwhelming sense of hopelessness (About Teen Suicide).
According to the article “Youth Suicide”, the three most popular methods of suicide are firearms 45%, suffocation methods 40%, and poisoning 8%. Approximately 4,600 lives are lost per year in the United States to suicide (Youth Suicide). One out of every twenty-five teens have attempted suicide (Smith, David R), one out of every twenty-five attempts are successful (About Teen Suicide), and one out of every eight teenagers has considered it (Smith, David R). In the Profile class of 2018 that has 43 students, hypothetically about two have attempted suicide and about five have considered it. That is seven students too many. One of those students might have been a classmate a friend talked to earlier in the day.
The rate of suicides between girls and boys differ. Boys are 81% more likely to report an attempted suicide than girls (Youth Suicide). In general, boys tend to commit suicide through more lethal methods such as firearms, hanging, and jumping from heights, whereas girls tend to cut themselves or try an overdose on drugs (Concerns about Adolescent Suicide). Because of teen boys risky behaviors and higher rates of attempted suicide, on average they are four times as likely to succeed in carrying out their intents (Concerns about Adolescent Suicide). On the contrary, teenaged girls tend to be less impulsive than boys and think twice about their actions before actually committing suicide.
Brandy Vela, an 18-year-old girl that attended High School in Texas, happened to be a victim of cyberbullying. People created fake profiles of her including her cell number and commenting on her looks, weight, and posting that she would “offer sex for free”. Her situation went unnoticed by many. “Somehow the bubbly and cheerful girl who loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian hid the depth of her anguish from everyone—including Jackie, younger sister Michelle, 16, and brother Victor, 19” (Keating, Caitlin). The online bullying went too far. Brandy felt there was no better way out. Before she pulled the trigger of the gun on her chest, her final words were, “I can't do this anymore,” and “I'm tired. I've come too far not to do it” (Keating, Caitlin).
It is not always apparent when teenagers are experiencing suicidal thoughts as in Brandy’s story, but there are a few key signs that might lead concerned friends or family to recognize their tragic mental state. Signs of suicidal thoughts include teenagers giving away their personal possessions, signs of severe depression, panic attacks, hallucinations, delusions, or loss of appetite. Also, beware of teens who have been depressed in the past and suddenly have a rise in their mood. This unexpected change in behavior could mean that the teen has decided on committing suicide. They no longer feel any pain because soon their life will be over.
Why are teens taking their lives at such high rates? Research shows that there may be a correlation between rising crime and suicide rates across the United States according to Smith, a publisher of a couple books and who has a reputable name working in the field for 15 years. With rapidly increasing crimes across the country, it’s easy to see why kids believe such horrific behavior is acceptable. Life is normal for them when they hear about mass school shootings on the news, somebody overdosing in a McDonald's parking lot, or husbands beating their wives. They practically have grown up with violence and hate in their neighborhoods. Know wonder they see guns and drugs as a way out of their personal life crisis.
The good news is that there is help for teenagers in need who feel suicide is the solution to their problem. It is clinically proven that “depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders” according to the article on “Teen Suicide”, and it is encouraged that parents or guardians of depressed teens bring them into facilities to receive psychiatric examinations, screenings, counseling, or to receive medications.
For most, talking about suicide is an uncomfortable and touchy subject. Some adults tend to shy away from bringing up the conversation as they feel it will expose the victim to new ideas, but in fact, it is one of the best ways to cope with the problem and bring light to the situation. If a teen threatens to commit suicide, it usually is a cry for help. Whether friends, parents, peers, or other adults believe it is a joke or serious “don't dismiss the attempt as an attention seeking behavior” (What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?). Don't wish a month or year later that someone had taken action on that possible innocent threat. If an individual is stuck in a situation where a teen mentioned suicide and they are unsure how to act, seek proper help from a professional or trusted adult.
Families also play a crucial role in the lives and development of young teens and how they react to tough and stressful situations. Smith states, “family involvement lowers [the] serious risk [of teen suicide]”. It is crucial that parents or guardians “provide a stable, safe physical and emotional home environment”(What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?), and that they spend time and develop a special bond with their teen. It’s important to remember that bonds can't develop unless a time commitment is made to the teen, and strong relationships can lead to mutual trust. “Parents have to grow and change in parallel with their teenager”(What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?). This meaning when the child becomes a teenager, it is time to start treating them like a teen with responsibilities and accepting the changes they might want to have with their personal life. Parents need to listen to teenagers verbal and nonverbal cues as to what they are trying to express to them, and they also need to be respectful of what they do and don't want to share. It is found that good relationships can open up communication options with teenagers who are dealing with hard times. Lastly, parents should stay on top of their teenager's emotions, and ask a few questions every once in awhile to touch base with them.
What does giving teens responsibility do for them? Teenagers who have responsibilities and duties to fulfill have a sense of self-worth (Smith, David R). They make the teen feel wanted and needed by others. For example, if a teenager has a younger sister or brother they could babysit them on a regular basis. This responsibility should make the teen feel as if someone looks up to them and depends on them. “The idea following that if young people know they are needed by those around them... they may be less likely to try ending their lives” (Smith, David R). Also, according to Smith, he shows that exercise raises teenagers self-esteem which leads them to engage in less negative behavior including social withdrawals, anxiety, mischief, and aggression.
It should not take one teenager’s death to realize that this growing issue has gone too far. Now is the time to act. Communities, social groups, schools, and friends need to raise awareness and inform each other about the warning signs and solutions to teen suicide. Have open discussions with church groups, trusted teachers, parents, or siblings. Encourage teenagers to feel safe opening up about what they are feeling.
Unfortunately, in present day reality, not all teen suicides can be prevented. Some kids have been pushed past their limits, and there is nothing that will change their minds. The least that communities can do is offer support and a safe room where teens can go and talk openly with trusted adults, and the least individuals can do is to spread kindness and provide a listening ear to friends. One comment or short conversation might be enough to change a teenager’s mind about the future of their life. A simple genuine question such as, “How was your day?” could touch their heart and lets them know somebody is there for them. People might never know what few words or actions could have changed someone else's views on life for the better or worse, so be careful and considerate of what individuals say to others.
It is hard to see a friend leave your life; forever. No one should have to be the victim of hate, abuse, or the victim of their own self-harming. Life shouldn't get to the point where it's bad enough you want to end it. Teen suicide or any suicide brings to light what really matters every day. It’s not about the amount of money someone makes or the social rankings they are classified into. Life should be about what makes someone happy and be with the ones who care and love them.
Teen suicide is devastating to friends, families, and communities.
Sadly, teen suicide is ranked the third leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. There are many reasons including growing crime rates, family, social, and school issues that cause great deals of stress and depression for teens. As a community and individuals, we need to do more to help suffering teens by spreading awareness about teen suicide and recognizing the signs of teens with suicidal thoughts. A goal for humanity should be to make people's lives better for one another. Give teens a safe place to grow and develop. They should live because they want to, not because they have
to.
There are many reasons a teenager may consider committing suicide. Being a teen is part of the gray area in life; right after being a kid and right before becoming an adult. Puberty strikes around age eleven and creates hormonal instabilities. Suddenly, there is a rush of pressure to fit in socially with other peers. Teens start to take interest in the opposite or the same sex, and this arouses impulsive behavior especially when relationships turn bad. Numerical grades enter like a hanging time bomb over their head and more pressure gets added to perform academically (About Teen …show more content…
Suicide). At the age of sixteen, in most states, teenagers get their driver's license and start to receive more freedom. More freedom also leads to more responsibilities and independent decision making. With the constant changes in their life, these young teens also may experience family break-ups, the creation of a new family, court appearances, sexual abuse, expulsion from school, rejection from loved ones, financial uncertainties, self-doubt, confusion, substance abuse, mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and insomnia that can cause them great deals of stress (About Teen Suicide; Teen Suicide; What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?). These problems in their life create them to feel worthless, hated, sad, angry, and worst of all as if there's no better solution than to kill themselves. They feel that if they do decide to commit, all their problems will be solved and everything will be over with. Once the teen has decided on their solution of suicide, they have an overwhelming sense of hopelessness (About Teen Suicide).
According to the article “Youth Suicide”, the three most popular methods of suicide are firearms 45%, suffocation methods 40%, and poisoning 8%. Approximately 4,600 lives are lost per year in the United States to suicide (Youth Suicide). One out of every twenty-five teens have attempted suicide (Smith, David R), one out of every twenty-five attempts are successful (About Teen Suicide), and one out of every eight teenagers has considered it (Smith, David R). In the Profile class of 2018 that has 43 students, hypothetically about two have attempted suicide and about five have considered it. That is seven students too many. One of those students might have been a classmate a friend talked to earlier in the day.
The rate of suicides between girls and boys differ. Boys are 81% more likely to report an attempted suicide than girls (Youth Suicide). In general, boys tend to commit suicide through more lethal methods such as firearms, hanging, and jumping from heights, whereas girls tend to cut themselves or try an overdose on drugs (Concerns about Adolescent Suicide). Because of teen boys risky behaviors and higher rates of attempted suicide, on average they are four times as likely to succeed in carrying out their intents (Concerns about Adolescent Suicide). On the contrary, teenaged girls tend to be less impulsive than boys and think twice about their actions before actually committing suicide.
Brandy Vela, an 18-year-old girl that attended High School in Texas, happened to be a victim of cyberbullying. People created fake profiles of her including her cell number and commenting on her looks, weight, and posting that she would “offer sex for free”. Her situation went unnoticed by many. “Somehow the bubbly and cheerful girl who loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian hid the depth of her anguish from everyone—including Jackie, younger sister Michelle, 16, and brother Victor, 19” (Keating, Caitlin). The online bullying went too far. Brandy felt there was no better way out. Before she pulled the trigger of the gun on her chest, her final words were, “I can't do this anymore,” and “I'm tired. I've come too far not to do it” (Keating, Caitlin).
It is not always apparent when teenagers are experiencing suicidal thoughts as in Brandy’s story, but there are a few key signs that might lead concerned friends or family to recognize their tragic mental state. Signs of suicidal thoughts include teenagers giving away their personal possessions, signs of severe depression, panic attacks, hallucinations, delusions, or loss of appetite. Also, beware of teens who have been depressed in the past and suddenly have a rise in their mood. This unexpected change in behavior could mean that the teen has decided on committing suicide. They no longer feel any pain because soon their life will be over.
Why are teens taking their lives at such high rates? Research shows that there may be a correlation between rising crime and suicide rates across the United States according to Smith, a publisher of a couple books and who has a reputable name working in the field for 15 years. With rapidly increasing crimes across the country, it’s easy to see why kids believe such horrific behavior is acceptable. Life is normal for them when they hear about mass school shootings on the news, somebody overdosing in a McDonald's parking lot, or husbands beating their wives. They practically have grown up with violence and hate in their neighborhoods. Know wonder they see guns and drugs as a way out of their personal life crisis.
The good news is that there is help for teenagers in need who feel suicide is the solution to their problem. It is clinically proven that “depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders” according to the article on “Teen Suicide”, and it is encouraged that parents or guardians of depressed teens bring them into facilities to receive psychiatric examinations, screenings, counseling, or to receive medications.
For most, talking about suicide is an uncomfortable and touchy subject. Some adults tend to shy away from bringing up the conversation as they feel it will expose the victim to new ideas, but in fact, it is one of the best ways to cope with the problem and bring light to the situation. If a teen threatens to commit suicide, it usually is a cry for help. Whether friends, parents, peers, or other adults believe it is a joke or serious “don't dismiss the attempt as an attention seeking behavior” (What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?). Don't wish a month or year later that someone had taken action on that possible innocent threat. If an individual is stuck in a situation where a teen mentioned suicide and they are unsure how to act, seek proper help from a professional or trusted adult.
Families also play a crucial role in the lives and development of young teens and how they react to tough and stressful situations. Smith states, “family involvement lowers [the] serious risk [of teen suicide]”. It is crucial that parents or guardians “provide a stable, safe physical and emotional home environment”(What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?), and that they spend time and develop a special bond with their teen. It’s important to remember that bonds can't develop unless a time commitment is made to the teen, and strong relationships can lead to mutual trust. “Parents have to grow and change in parallel with their teenager”(What Can Parents Do To Prevent Youth Suicide?). This meaning when the child becomes a teenager, it is time to start treating them like a teen with responsibilities and accepting the changes they might want to have with their personal life. Parents need to listen to teenagers verbal and nonverbal cues as to what they are trying to express to them, and they also need to be respectful of what they do and don't want to share. It is found that good relationships can open up communication options with teenagers who are dealing with hard times. Lastly, parents should stay on top of their teenager's emotions, and ask a few questions every once in awhile to touch base with them.
What does giving teens responsibility do for them? Teenagers who have responsibilities and duties to fulfill have a sense of self-worth (Smith, David R). They make the teen feel wanted and needed by others. For example, if a teenager has a younger sister or brother they could babysit them on a regular basis. This responsibility should make the teen feel as if someone looks up to them and depends on them. “The idea following that if young people know they are needed by those around them... they may be less likely to try ending their lives” (Smith, David R). Also, according to Smith, he shows that exercise raises teenagers self-esteem which leads them to engage in less negative behavior including social withdrawals, anxiety, mischief, and aggression.
It should not take one teenager’s death to realize that this growing issue has gone too far. Now is the time to act. Communities, social groups, schools, and friends need to raise awareness and inform each other about the warning signs and solutions to teen suicide. Have open discussions with church groups, trusted teachers, parents, or siblings. Encourage teenagers to feel safe opening up about what they are feeling.
Unfortunately, in present day reality, not all teen suicides can be prevented. Some kids have been pushed past their limits, and there is nothing that will change their minds. The least that communities can do is offer support and a safe room where teens can go and talk openly with trusted adults, and the least individuals can do is to spread kindness and provide a listening ear to friends. One comment or short conversation might be enough to change a teenager’s mind about the future of their life. A simple genuine question such as, “How was your day?” could touch their heart and lets them know somebody is there for them. People might never know what few words or actions could have changed someone else's views on life for the better or worse, so be careful and considerate of what individuals say to others.
It is hard to see a friend leave your life; forever. No one should have to be the victim of hate, abuse, or the victim of their own self-harming. Life shouldn't get to the point where it's bad enough you want to end it. Teen suicide or any suicide brings to light what really matters every day. It’s not about the amount of money someone makes or the social rankings they are classified into. Life should be about what makes someone happy and be with the ones who care and love them.
Teen suicide is devastating to friends, families, and communities.
Sadly, teen suicide is ranked the third leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. There are many reasons including growing crime rates, family, social, and school issues that cause great deals of stress and depression for teens. As a community and individuals, we need to do more to help suffering teens by spreading awareness about teen suicide and recognizing the signs of teens with suicidal thoughts. A goal for humanity should be to make people's lives better for one another. Give teens a safe place to grow and develop. They should live because they want to, not because they have
to.