 |
|
|
| |
 Suicide rates among teens are alarmingly high.
This growing problem worries parents, who are concerned every time a teen
seems out of sorts. Counselors who work with teens suggest that parents learn
the facts and correct the myths commonly believed about this tragic trend. For
more information, call Rogers Memorial Hospital at (800) 767-4411, Children’s
Service Society of Wisconsin at (800) 653-2779.
Some myths about teen suicide
- Myth 1: Someone who talks about suicide will not do it. On the contrary,
talking about suicide is a way of asking for help. If you are worried because your
teen expresses such thoughts, you need to investigate it. Often, when teens talk
about suicide, they act on their thoughts.
- Myth 2: Talking about it just gives a teen the idea. Studies have shown that
nearly all teens think about suicide at some time, whether parents discuss it or
not. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 20 percent of high school
students seriously consider suicide every year. Talking about it will help teens
realize just how final a decision of suicide is. By talking with them, you can help
them to see other options besides suicide and let them know that you are a
support for them if they ever have suicidal thoughts in the future.
- Myth 3: Only people who are mentally ill commit suicide. Some mental
illnesses which prompt suicide, including depression, schizophrenia and
manic-depressive illness, show up first in the teen years. Other teens who
consider suicide have none of these illnesses. Recent losses or other problems
that reflect poorly on the youth can lead to suicide attempts. The most common
reason for suicide is a sense of hopelessness.
Some common reasons for considering suicide
- School problems.
- Romance or friendship problems.
- Fears about sexual identity or homosexuality.
- Recent losses that interfere with normal living for more than four to six weeks,
such as:
- Loss of a family member.
- Loss of a friend.
- Death of a peer, even if your teen was not a close friend.
- Death of a music star or movie star.
- Loss of a family pet.
Look for the warning signs
- Talking or writing about suicide.
- Reading books about suicide.
- Talking about people who have taken their own lives, including friends, family
members or celebrities.
- Giving away prized personal possessions.
- A sudden calm after a period of feelings of despair. The calm feeling may be
present because the teen has made the decision to die and is content with that
decision.
What can a parent do?
- Get help. This
is not an issue most parents can deal with alone. Ask for help in discussing
suicide with your teen.
- Talk to the teen involved.
- Be certain the teen knows of your loving concern.
- Do not shield the teen from the real-life issues involved.
- Urge the teen to call a suicide hotline.
- If you feel the situation is life threatening, take the teen to a hospital emergency
room or call 911.
|
|
| |
|
|
