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| |    Understanding Teen Suicide by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. and Jane Robinson, Ph.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. It is a sobering fact that the suicide rate among teenagers has shot up in the past 40 years. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds, after auto accidents. Between 5,000 and 10,000 teens commit suicide each year; the estimates vary because many apparent "accidental deaths" are actually suicides. For every teen who commits suicide, many more attempt to kill themselves, and an even greater number consider it. In a 1995 study of 1,050 junior and senior high students who were asked, "Have you ever thought of taking your own life?," 44.7 percent responded yes, and one quarter said that they had thought about it in the past month. No one knows exactly why suicide is on the rise. Some experts point to increased family and social stresses, drug and alcohol abuse, easier access to tools for suicide (such as firearms), and perhaps a greater cultural acceptance. Teenage boys are four times more likely to succeed in killing themselves than are girls, although girls actually attempt suicide four times more frequently. Boys may be more inclined to take impulsive action (such as grabbing and using a handgun or driving wildly). Girls may use suicide attempts such as swallowing pills (where there is often time for others to intervene) as a way to call out for help. Boys may feel that asking for help--even in such a dramatic way--is unmanly or babyish. So they choose suicide actions that are more surefire. Why would a teen kill himself? When faced with a completed suicide or a suicide attempt, most people are perplexed, bewildered, confused, and even overwhelmed. In fact, the very person who takes his own life also may, at the moment of decision, only be partially aware of his reasons for doing so. No parent wants to consider the possibility that her child might be capable of such a senseless act of violence. But reluctance to think about suicide renders parents unable to recognize a potential tragedy before it happens. Even though suicide is confusing, it is not unimaginable, and we know a lot about how people come to make that decision. By stripping the mystery away from suicide, we open up the possibility of preventing it. Clearing away the mystery There are many reasons why a young person may think about or actually carry out a suicide. The most common underlying problem is depression. Depression in teens does not always look like sadness; sometimes it appears as a loss of interest in activities, falling grades, or irritability--"blowing up for no reason at all." In others, depression may hide behind a mask of humor or an "I don't care" attitude. In addition to depression, one or all of the following may be factors.
No parent likes to think about the possibility of her child being unhappy, let alone distressed enough to consider suicide. Yet acknowledging this possibility could be the first step in helping a child. Certainly, if your child or teen talks about killing himself, you need to take that very seriously and seek consultation from a doctor or mental health professional. In addition to the reasons I've discussed above, there are several factors that put teens at special risk. What may appear to a parent as a small loss or disappointment may be devastating to a young person. Being open and honest with your teen and acknowledging and listening to his feelings without judgment could prevent a suicide crisis. If you are uncomfortable or have difficulty discussing feelings with your teenager directly, express your concern by finding a professional who can help.
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