Statistics show that teen suicide is on the rise. Suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst teens age 15-24, car accidents and homicide being the top two. Although we can teach our teens to be cautious in a car to avoid car accidents and try to keep them from areas where homicide occurs, both of these causes of death are usually something that occurs tragically yet instantly and often unavoidable due to someone else's poor judgement. However, if we know what the warning signs of teen suicide are we may be able to get them help and avoid another tragic death.
Although there are many warning signs to watch for, depression is one of the most common signs in people who commit or attempt to commit suicide. Thanks to scientific technology producing medications for depression and educated counsellors there is help available for teens. We may even be able to prevent teen depression.
In the news this week a Florida teen broadcast his suicide via the internet. Accounts of the incident vary but all agree that he took a lethal dose of prescription pills and was found in a fetal position on his bed after someone from the internet site tracked down the boys information and called the authorities. Authorities fear this could spark kids to attempt copy cat suicides.
There is no question that teenagers are constantly under a considerable amount of stress. It is important that we spend time with our children and try to understand some of the things they may be struggling with and if we see that they may be dealing with more than they think they can handle we need to try to help relieve some of their stress or find a child therapist that they can relate to and work through some of their issues.
In the unfortunate event that anyone is put in the position of coping with suicide in their lives or the lives of their children it is important to understand there will be a process of healing and there are a number of things that are normal to through but there are a number of resources to help you get through this tragic time.
