Suicide
...s or bizarre thoughts). If a child or adolescent says, I want to kill myself, or I'm going to commit suicide, always take the statement seriously and immediately seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful” (Sperekas, 104). Rather than putting thoughts in the child's head, such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems. If one or more of these signs occurs, parents need to talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help when the concerns persist. With support from family and professional treatment, children and teenagers who are suicidal can heal and return to a healthier path of development. All people are at risk for suicide, but some more then others. “ Women, for example, are more likely to attempt suicide then men. However, teen males are four more times as likely to attempt suicide then women” (Rochford, 3). Some teens, because of their biochemical makeup or life experiences, are at greater risk for suicide. Risk factors for suicide include: Previous suicide attempts - Teens that have attempted suicide in the past are much more likely than other teens to attempt suicide again in the future. Approximately a third of teen suicide victims have made a previous suicide attempt. Depression and/or alcohol or substance abuse – “Over 90% of teen suicide victims have a mental disorder, such as depression, and/or a history of alcohol or drug abuse” (Kasschau, 276). Family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, or suicide - Teens who kill themselves have often had a close family member who attempted or committed suicide. Many of the mental illnesses, such as depression, that contribute to suicide risk appear to have a genetic component. Stressful situation or loss – Teens who kill themselves almost always have serious problems, such as depression or substance abuse. When they experience losses or certain stressful situations, it can trigger a suicide attempt. Such stressful situations include: getting into trouble at school or with the police; fighting or breaking up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend; and fighting with friends. Easy access to guns - Teens are much more likely to kill themselves when they have access to guns. “When teens shoot themselves, they most often do so in their own homes. Teens are at a far greater risk for suicide when there are loaded and accessible guns in their homes” (Rochford, 2). Exposure to other teenagers who have committed suicide - Teens are more likely to kill themselves if they have recently read, seen, or heard about other suicide attempts. “ Other risk factors include a history of physical and/or sexual abuse, poor communication with parents, incarceration, and lack of access or an unwillingness to seek mental health treatment” (Stimming, 1). If you are worried about a friend ask directly if he or she is considering suicide. Ask whether he or she has made a specific plan and has done anything to carry it out. “Listen openly to your friend, tell your friend that you care deeply, and that no matter how overwhelming his or her problems seem help is available” (Miller, 201). Then, help your friend to find someone trained to help, such as a doctor, community health center, counselor, psychologist, social worker, youth worker, or minister. If your friend has a detailed plan or appears acutely suicidal and will not talk, he or she could be in immediate danger and it is important to get help right away. Do not leave your friend alone, and seek help immediately, taking your friend to a hospital emergency room if necessary. Even if it will anger your friend, talk with an adult you trust about your friend's situation so that you aren't carrying the burden by yourself. “Do not try to "rescue" your friend or be a hero and try to handle the situation on your own” (Sperekas, 132). You can be the most help by referring your friend to someone with the pro...