SuicideA permanent solution for a

temporary problem

Test your knowledgeWhich of the following would you say is the most likely to commit suicide? A. A straight-A studentB. A student who is gifted in athleticsC. A student who is abusing drugs and

failing in schoolD. A student who is very popularE. All of the above are at equal risk

AnswerE. Under the right — or wrong — circumstances, all of the above could commit suicide.

Teenage Suicide FactsIt is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29.Every day approximately 12 people between the ages of 15-24 die from suicide.Nearly 1 in 5 high school students have stated that they have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

More Facts…..Teen girls attempt suicide more often than teen guys. (About nine times more often)But, teen guys are four times more likely to succeed when they try to kill themselves.Teen guys tend to use more deadly methods like guns or hanging while girls tend to use overdoses of medication or cutting.

Suicide is a serious issueThings we will discuss:

What causes a person to consider taking his/her own life?What puts a teenager at risk for suicide or self harm?What are the warning signs that someone might be considering suicide?Where can someone go for help?

Thinking about suicideThinking about suicide is often related to stressful events and feelings of sadness. Some teens feel so overwhelmed, sad and in despair that they think they will never feel better. Teenagers tend to experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up.

Feelings may be brought on by Anger or violence in the home or schoolMay be doing poorly in school and feel inadequateDepressedAlcohol or drug problem they can't handleThey may be angry and heart-broken over a break-up.They may feel like they don't belong, either in their family or with their friends. DivorceFormation of new family with stepparents and stepsiblingsMoving to a new communitySometimes, they may feel very sad with no obvious cause.

What makes some teens at risk?Depression

Feelings of sadness, loneliness, disappointment.Every teen feels anxiety and confusion at some point, but it helps to get through tough times by turning to people you trust and love.But sometimes the feelings can last all day, every day. If feelings last for more than two weeks a person may be experiencing major depression.Many teens have experienced major depression.

Depression and SuicideSerious depression involves a long-lasting sad mood that doesn’t let up and a loss of pleasure in things you once enjoyed.Thoughts of death, negative thoughts of oneself, hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep can also occur.Depression distorts one’s viewpoint making them focus only on their failures.Depressed thinking can convince someone that there is nothing to live for.

When someone who is depressed gets the proper treatment or therapy, their distorted thinking is cleared and they can find energy, pleasure, and hope again.

What else puts a teen at risk?

Substance abuse problemsAlcohol and some drugs have depressive effects on the brain. Misuse of these substances can bring on serious depression.Alcohol and drugs also alter one’s judgment. Many suicide attempts occur while a teen is under the influence.

Other risksLife Stress

Being a teen is not easy. There are many social, academic, and personal pressures.Teens who have additional problems to deal with can make life feel even more difficult.

Physical or sexual abuseDivorce or death in the familyStruggle with body image and eating problems

Finally…Having access to guns.

For any teen who has any of the other risk factors, having access to a gun is very dangerous.Many lives could be saved by making sure those who are at risk do not have access to a gun.More than 60% of teen suicides deaths happen with a gun.

Warning Signs- What to Look ForPulling away from friends or familyTrouble concentrating or thinking clearlyChanges in sleeping or eating habitsMajor changes in appearanceTalk about feeling hopeless or guiltyTalk about suicideTalk about deathTalk about “going away”Self-destructive behavior (drugs, alcohol, driving too fast)Giving away favorite possessionsSuddenly very happy moods after being depressed or sad for a long time (this person may have a suicide plan)

Paying attention and responding to the warning signs can save someone’s life.Don’t be afraid to talk to someone about suicide if you think they might be considering it.

It allows you to get help for that person.Just talking might make the person feel less isolated and more cared about.It may help the person to consider that suicide is not the solution.

Getting HelpIf you have been thinking about suicide. Get help right away.If you have a classmate or friend who you think is considering suicide. Get help right away. Even if you have been sworn to secrecy. You may save your friend’s life.

Where to get helpParents TeachersCounselorsFriendsCall 9-1-1National Suicide Hotline

1-800-SUICIDE

Remember……Suicide is a PERMANENT solution for aTEMPORARY

problem.

Referenceswww.kidshealth.orgwww.4girls.govAmerican Association of Suicidology

www.suicidology.org

Developed by Bridget Robinson, RN, BSN,SNM

University of Kansas School of Nursing HETC Project