TEEN SUICIDESarah Chamorro

Valerie Hernandez Candace McCormick

Adolescence

The teen years are a difficult time in a person’s life. There are many developmental changes…

“In the past year, 14.5 percent of adolescents in grades nine to twelve have seriously considered suicide”

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/

Suicide by: Males (%) Females (%)

Firearms 56 30

Suffocation 24 21

Poisoning 13 40

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-the-us-statistics-and-prevention

79%

21%

Distribution of Suicide Rates by Sex

MalesFemales

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.

TeenScreen Program

Columbia University has developed and tested three different screens available to identify at-risk teens

http://www.teenscreen.org/

Myths Surrounding Teen SuicideMyth or Fact? Only a professional would be able to identify a

child at risk for suicide.

Myth.

Parents, caregivers, and involved school personnel may be the first to notice changes in a child at risk for suicide.

Fact.

Horowitz, K. (2009). Dispelling the myths surrounding teen suicide. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 25(11), Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Myths Surrounding Teen Suicide

If an adolescent has made a suicide attempt in the past, they are not likely to try again in a more lethal manner. They are just trying to get attention.

Myth.

While suicide prevention is still far from perfect, there have been a few agreed upon effective interventions.

Fact.Horowitz, K. (2009). Dispelling the myths surrounding teen suicide. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 25(11), Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Reasons/Causes of Teen Suicide

There are many reasons why individuals commit suicide or engage in suicidal behavior. Not all reasons are simple and many are complex.

Risk factor types: Social, familial, biological, psychological, and environmental

Walsh, E., & Eggert, L. L. (2007). Suicide risk and protective factors among youth experiencing school difficulties. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 16(5), 349-359. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0349.2007.00483.x

Reasons/Causes of Teen Suicide-Examples of each would be Bullying and Social isolation Sense of alienation and lack of social support Family history of suicide Impulsive and aggressive behavior Feelings of failure or increased performance New and unfamiliar environment The strongest risk factor for complete suicide is the presence

of a firearm in the home. Especially if the firearm is loaded and is not safely locked away in a place out of reach of the teenager.

Walsh, E., & Eggert, L. L. (2007). Suicide risk and protective factors among youth experiencing school difficulties. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 16(5), 349-359. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0349.2007.00483.x

The Warning Signs

Many warning signs of suicidal feelings can also be symptoms of depression. The following observation can be helpful to parents or care givers to teens to identify the warning signs.

Loss of interest in usual activities Withdrawal from friends and family members Preoccupation with death and dying Increased physical complaints frequently

associated with emotional distress such as stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue

Loss of interest in school or schoolworkhttp://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/ mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Any teen or adolescent who expresses thoughts of suicide should be

evaluated. Threats of suicide made by any teen communicate desperation and

a cry for help. All they want is for someone to show that they care for

them and to talk to. Always take statements of suicidal feelings,

thoughts, behaviors, and plans very seriously.

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/ mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Warning Signs Most people who feel suicidal give

definite warning signs that they plan to die by suicide, but those close to them are often unaware of the significance of these signals or are unsure of what to do about them.

Warning Signs

Observable signs of serious depression:Unrelenting low moodPessimismHopelessnessDesperationAnxiety, psychic pain and inner tensionWithdrawalSleep problems

Increased alcohol and/or other drug use Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die Making a plan:

Giving away prized possessionsSudden or impulsive purchase of a firearmObtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications

Unexpected rage or anger http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?page_id=0519EC1A-D73A-8D90-7D2E9E2456182D66

Prevention Suicide can be prevented. According to the American Foundation for

Suicide Prevention (AFSP), it is important to learn the warning signs of teenage suicide in order to prevent an attempt. Maintaining open communication with your teenager and their friends provides an opportunity for helping as needed. If a teen is talking about suicide, he or she must receive an immediate evaluation.

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

PreventionSteps parents can take: Keep medications

and firearms away from children. Get your child help (medical or mental health

professional). Support your child (listen, avoid undue

criticism, remain connected). Become informed (library, local support

group, Internet) http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

PreventionSteps teens can take:

Take your friend's behavior and discussion of suicide seriously.

Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary.

Talk to an adult you trust.

Don't be alone in helping

your friend.

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

National Suicide Prevention Organizations

American Association of Suicidology (AAS) A nonprofit organization dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide.

The Jason Foundation An organization dedicated to teen suicide awareness and prevention.

The Jed Foundation A nonprofit public charity committed to reducing the young adult suicide rate and improving mental health support provided to college students nationwide.

http://www.spanusa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=98c3bc9d-97fe-2417-7e6d265047c407a8

TreatmentSpecific treatment for suicidal feelings and

behaviors will be determined by your teen's physician based on:

your teen's age, overall health, and medical history extent of your teen's symptoms seriousness of the attempt your teen's tolerance for specific medications,

procedures, or therapies expectations regarding future suicide risk your opinion or preference

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Treatment

Any adolescent who has attempted suicide requires an initial physical evaluation and treatment until he/she is physically stable.

Mental health treatment for suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behaviors begins with detailed evaluation of events in the adolescent's life during the two to three days preceding the suicidal behaviors.

A comprehensive evaluation of the adolescent and family contributes to decisions regarding treatment needs.

Treatment recommendations may include individual therapy for the adolescent, family therapy, and, when necessary, hospitalization to provide the adolescent a supervised and safe environment.

Parents play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx