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No Way Out: Teen suicide

Tuesday, January 23 at 1:35 PM

This Speakout has not been edited

By Kathleen Craven and Cynthia Clark, Boise, Idaho

“Suicide is not so much the desire to die as it is the fear of living” (National Suicide Help Center). Teen suicide leaves an unceasing wake of chaos and endless questions asking “why?” I remember with amazing clarity a story related to me by a teen several years ago as he contemplated ending his life. Adam (not his real name) described the emotional pain and torment he experienced after the breakup with his girlfriend, school failure, and successive losses * including the death of his beloved Labrador, Rufus. Adam recounted in impressive detail the depths of his pain that led to nearly taking his own life. His poignant story reveals the ambivalence that often occurs when one considers death by suicide. Adam told me how he sat on his bed holding a gun to his head in one hand, and a telephone to call for help in the other. Adam saw death as the only way out of what he perceived as a hopeless situation. Thankfully, the telephone prevailed and Adam chose life.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for adolescents aged 15-24 in the United States, and the suicide rate for this age group has tripled since 1950. More young people kill themselves than die in motor vehicle accidents and homicides. In 2002, 18 percent of all high school students seriously considered attempting suicide and 15 percent said they had a plan for how they would do it (YRBS Report, 2003).

For many people, it seems beyond comprehension that a teen could be so painfully unhappy that he would consider killing himself, but with the increasing prevalence of teen suicide we cannot afford to ignore the possibility. Consider this: as the rate of depression rises, so does the rate of teen suicide. Depression may be diagnosed when feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with a teen’s ability to function. Symptoms of teen depression may look different than those in adults. Depressed youth are sad, lack interest in activities that used to bring them pleasure and are often irritable and argumentative. They may feel unloved, pessimistic, neglect their appearance and hygiene, and think that life is not worth living.

Sometimes parents wonder if a teen is “just trying to get attention.” Since parents cannot always be sure, it is important to address the issue. Responding with genuine concern, expressing support and listening without criticism may help teens open up and communicate their feelings and thoughts. Seek professional help if the depression doesn’t pass with time. If a teen is thinking about suicide, it is imperative to seek professional help as soon as possible.

There are several myths about teen suicide. Some people believe a teen threatening suicide is not really serious about following through with that threat. In fact, teens who talk about suicide or who exhibit suicidal behaviors are at serious risk.

Another myth is that if we talk about suicide it may cause a teen to make an attempt. In truth, talking about suicide does not create or increase risk, but actually reduces it. Talking openly and showing genuine concern can provide emotional relief and may be key elements in preventing the immediate danger of suicide.

Suicide is a tragic and preventable cause of death. While there is no single reason for suicide, there are several common risk factors. These include a past suicide attempt, untreated depression, problems with drugs and alcohol, recent loss (parents’ divorce, death of a friend or family member, loss of a relationship), sexual or physical abuse, failing academic performance, legal problems and high levels of stress. Many times a teen will talk about or hint of suicide, give away special possessions, write a will, get affairs in order or say goodbye. If these warning signs occur, and especially if the teen has a plan and the means to complete a suicide, stay with the teen and get help immediately. Do not ignore signs of suicide or change the subject. Contact your family health care provider, a community mental health center, or a suicide prevention crisis center. The national hotline number through the Department of Health and Human Services is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

READER COMMENTS

One overlooked cause here is sexual orientation. Our society, though better than it once was, still frightens gay and lesbian youth with its hate and condemnation. Gay and lesbian youth often hide themselves--even from their parents--and that necessity to hide their difference from family and friends causes isolation, internalizes that learned homophobia, and creates an unnecessary despair that leads to suicide.

Sexual orientation is not a choice--young gay and lesbian youth recognize who they are early in life--but without role models or an enlightened and accepting society (that means church, school and family) to help them grow into well-adjusted gay citizens, there will still be too many unnecessary suicides among young people.

These are suicides that can be prevented--but it takes great courage to stand up against those who would turn human nature into a "sin," and it takes a society willing to stand up and recognize the dignity and worth of all human beings. For the sake of those gay children who have already committed suicide and for the protection of those gay children contemplating it, we need to let them know that they are loved--just as God made them.

Posted by Webster on January 24, 2007 01:11 PM