There is an angst, depression and hopelessness plaguing our young people. Teen suicide is now the second leading cause of death in youth between the ages 10-24 nationwide. It has surpassed motor vehicle crashes as a major cause of death for kids 10-14 years of age.
It is sometimes hard to understand why this happens. But through awareness and education, we can learn to do our part in preventing more from happening.
Studies show that 90 percent of suicidal persons suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental illness. None of these is a weakness. Risk factors towards depression and suicide ideation are most often a culmination of a multitude of stressors which overwhelm a person.
Much like a mosaic or puzzle, stressors can be comprised of many parts. They may be thought of as being derived from four categories.
- Genetics/Biology – chemical imbalances in the brain
- Environment – what our home life was/is like
- Temperament – our coping and response to stress
- Life Experiences – sudden loss, bullying, physical violence, etc.
LGBTQ youth are also at increased risk which may be associated with social pressures and violence directed towards them.
The thought of suicide evokes strong emotions. Fear. Denial. Shock. Anger. Our social norms tend to wrap depression and mental illness in a stigma that cloaks its prevalence and severity. Sometimes emotional reactions to the stigma become barriers to action. But breaking this through discussion and compassion are the first steps towards healing.
So what can we do as parents, family, friends, educators and health providers?
We must look for the warning signs. These may include depressed moods, increased irritability, feelings of sadness or emptiness, lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, withdrawal, weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, unusual or risky behavior, contemplation of suicide, or direct verbal cues.
It may manifest in hostility, agitation, restlessness, and anger. There may also be a component of substance abuse. Abuse of drugs often is a way of self-medicating to avoid or distract from the emotional and physical pain.
Remember that, unlike adults, children and teenagers may not express themselves as well at certain developmental levels. Other clues might be seen in social media entries, writings, drawings, or Internet research which focuses on death and dying.
Sometimes there are no obvious signs. Every child is different. Often youth are more open to their peers about depression than to their family. Advise your children to be aware of signs in their friends so that they also know what to do.
What if there are red flags?
If elements are recognized in a person, we are his or her first responder. We should reach out compassionately and genuinely, without judgement, anger or fear. Stay calm and ask questions about the depression without being emotional or critical. Simply listening can be the first step in providing hope.
It is essential to follow-up with action. Do not leave the person alone. Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects. If the situation is dire, call 9-1-1. The National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is free and available 24/7. Calling 2-1-1 in our region can provide information to mental health services.
It is equally important for the youth to see his or her pediatrician and initiate professional counseling sessions. This may lead to proper medication and a therapy plan.
Reach out to your school counselor or clergy person. Many schools and places of worship are equipped with resources and trained staff to discuss suicidal behaviors.
Suicide is preventable.
There is help. And there is hope. There is support from your community, schools, physician, counselor, church, family and friends. It takes perseverance and patience, but recovery can happen with the right treatment regimen. Hope is a gift that will sustain those without it.
Op-ed by Michael B. Danovsky, PhD; Supervisor, Pediatric Psychology at Valley Children’s Healthcare