Teen suicide has been a continually growing problem over the years. Each year thousands of teens are attempting or completing suicide. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15-24 year-olds, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also the sixth leading cause of death for ages 5-14. The risk of suicides increase tremendously when there’s access to firearms at home. Nearly 60% of all suicides in the U.S. are committed with a gun. That is one of the reasons why they say you should keep them unloaded, locked and kept in a safe place away from children. Another increase in suicides is overdosing on over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions, and non-prescription drugs because it’s very easy for teens to have access to these.
Suicide rates differ …show more content…
between boys and girls. Girls think about it twice as often as boys and tend to attempt suicide by overdosing or cutting themselves. Yet boys die by suicide about four times more than girls only because they use guns, hang themselves or jump from heights.
When you’re a teen there are many possibilities but also a lot of stress and worry.
There is pressure to fit in, perform academically and to just be a responsible teen. Which cause many teens to break and want to give up and end their life. Teens with mental disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or insomnia are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. As well as teens with major life changes such as parents divorcing, moving, financial changes, or just conflict with a parent and those who are victims of bullying are at a even greater risk of suicidal thoughts. Bullying can cause someone to have suicidal thoughts, attempt or commit suicide. That’s why you should think about what is going on in someone elses life before you pick on them because that one comment from you could cause them to end their life. Some warning signs to know if a teen is thinking about suicide might be them giving hints that they might not want to be around anymore, pulling away from family and friends, losing interest in school or sports, grades dropping, and changes in eating and sleeping habits. These are all possible signs that they may be struggling and thinking about
suicide. One thing you should NOT do is think that they’re just saying they want to kill themselves “for attention”. That will make them not want to confide to you or anyone, and could lead them to actually attempt suicide. If you’re a parent and feel you can’t handle it contact your doctor and have them refer you to psychiatrist. If you’re a friend be there for that person and show them that you care and want them here and then ask them to call their doctor and get help or call (888) SUICIDE.
I hope that this speech taught you about teen suicide, the risks and warning signs and how to help someone having these thoughts.