Have Better Success At Youth Suicide Prevention

The only way we as a society can improve the suicide rates and help with prevention is by being more open about the problem, making use of resources such as a suicide prevention charity and educating different parts of the community on what to look for in teens who might be in trouble. Schools, homes, clubs and so on all need to work together to identify and prevent more teen suicides. Here are some of the things to look for and consider.

Is there a history of depression or other mental illness - A part of youth suicide prevention is screening for things like depression. Some studies have shown that as much as 90% of teens who are suicidal have shown some signs of depression prior to becoming suicidal. It is easier today than even just 10 years ago to find resources that can help you or a teen you suspect is suffering. There are other mental illnesses too that can increase the chance of them considering suicide.

Are they becoming more and more socially withdrawn - If you notice a teen you know is spending more time alone than they used to, refusing to see peers or take part in family events, or not joining in with activities they used to enjoy. This is a common sign that if they are not already having suicidal thoughts, they may have them some time in the future. Isolating themselves, breaking ties with friends and even with family, not making new friends are all things that should alert you to something being wrong.

Abusing drugs and/or alcohol - Taking drugs and drinking alcohol is another sign to be aware of. You can seek specifics from somewhere like a suicide prevention charity. The problem is sometimes those things just amplify those feelings of depression and then it can be devastating. Talk to your teen if you are seeing signs of drug or alcohol problems and seek help.

Have they changed in personality or behavior - Another common thing parents and friends say they saw in teens who attempt or commit suicide is a change in how they behave and in their personality prior to that. They might have been a good student but then their grades plummeted. They might become reckless with their safety. Where once they were good drivers they now are careless and have had multiple accidents.

Have they experienced a major loss recently - Loss happens to most people and when it happens to a teen it can throw them off course. Everyone, teens and adults, reacts differently to the loss of a loved one, whether that is in the form of death, or something like a divorce or being rejected. Youth suicide prevention should consider whether there has been such a loss in their lives recently. Make sure they have someone they can talk to about what they are feeling, whether that is a trained counsellor at school, a peer with training, parents or some other trained professional.

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Until 21/07/2022 00:00:00