Covid pandemic has increased suicide rates
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds
Haris Lateef
Suicide is defined as intentionally taking one’s own life and comes from the Latin suicidium, which literally means “to kill oneself.”
The tragedy of a young person dying because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration is devastating to family, friends, and community. Parents, siblings, classmates, coaches, and neighbours might be left wondering if they could have done something to prevent that young person from turning to suicide. Learning more about what might lead a teen to suicide may help prevent further tragedies.
Even though it’s not always preventable, it’s always a good idea to be informed and take action to help a troubled teenager. The reasons behind a teen’s suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide is relatively rare among children, the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases greatly during adolescence.
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after accidents and homicide. It’s also thought that at least 25 attempts are made for every completed teen suicide.
Suicide rates differ between boys and girls. Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys, and tend to attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or slitting themselves. Yet boys die by suicide about four times as often than girls, perhaps because they tend to use more lethal methods, such as hanging, or jumping from heights.
Factors that increase the risk of suicide among teens include: A physiological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use (in fact, about 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death).
Feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation. Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression. Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation.Talking about feelings of hopelessness or feeling guilty. Pull away from friends or family.
Losing the desire to take part in favorite things or activities. Having trouble in concentrating or thinking clearly. Experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits. Losing interest in school or sports.
Treatment for suicides
Many teens who commit or attempt suicide have given some type of warning to loved ones ahead of time. So it’s important for parents to know the warning signs so that teens who might be suicidal can get the help they need.
Suicide prevention methods and treatment are based on patient risk factors. Treatments are prescribed in light of underlying conditions in addition to prevention of suicidal thoughts and acts. If you are suffering from a mental disorder, a treatment plan to treat this condition is implemented first. One of the most common suicide prevention techniques is psychotherapy— also known as talk therapy —in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Some adults feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” It’s important to realize that if teens are ignored when seeking attention; it may increase the chance of them harming themselves.
Keep a close eye on a teen who is depressed and withdrawn. Understanding depression in teens is very important since it can look different from commonly held beliefs about depression. For example, it may take the form of problems with friends, grades, sleep, or being cranky and irritable rather than chronic sadness or crying.
It’s important to try to keep the lines of communication open and express your concern, support, and love. If your teen confides in you, show that you take those concerns seriously. A fight with a friend might not seem like a big deal to you in the larger scheme of things, but for a teen it can feel immense and consuming. It’s important not to minimize or discount what your teen is going through, as this can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.
If your teen doesn’t feel comfortable talking with you, suggest a more neutral person, such as another relative, a clergy member, a coach, a school counselor, or your child’s doctor.
KV Network
