Teen Suicide
...mit suicide. Most depressed people don’t even think about committing such a horrendous act. Usually suicide attempts are set off by a particular incident also known as a “trigger event”. “Trigger events” may include something as mortifying as the loss of a love one to something as simple as peer pressure. Either which way someone is urged to commit suicide; suicide is that person’s way of seeking either help or attention. There are a numerous amount of incidents that can be considered a “trigger event”. These events include: one or more diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorders, impulsive behaviors, undesirable life events or recent losses, family history of suicide, family violence, prior suicide attempt, firearm in home, and exposure to the suicidal behavior of others. There obviously can be a lot more, basically anything that will bring someone down. There are many specific signs of someone who is about to commit suicide that everyone should know about. These signs consist of: a change 3) in eating and sleeping habits, withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities, violent actions, rebellious behavior, running away, drug and alcohol use, unusual neglect of personal appearance, marked personality change, persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, decline in quality of schoolwork, frequent complaints about physical symptoms, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Some other areas of concern of an upcoming suicide have to do with what an adolescent says. Statements such as “I want to kill myself,” or “I’m going to commit suicide,” should be taken very seriously even if it was said sarcastically. There are a wide range of these symptoms and some can be easily confuse with depression. Just to compare the signs of suicide and depression, I looked up the signs of depression. The signs of depression consist of: appetite or weight has changed considerably, a change in sleep pattern, restless, agitated, loss of energy, complaints of feeling tired all the time, feels worthless, complains of feeling inappropriately guilty, and believes that life is not worth living. The similarities between the two, suicide and depression, are what most likely have everybody fooled that all people who commit suicide are depressed. Being a gay, lesbian, or bisexual increases your chances of suicide. The average high school student hears 25 anti-gay slurs daily. In a study of 4,159 Massachusetts high school students, 46 who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual had attempted suicide in the past year compared to 8.8% of their peers. In a national survey, youth described being called 4) lesbian or gay as the most deeply upsetting form of sexual harassment they experienced. Many gay, lesbian, or bisexual students have been harassed, threatened, or physically attacked leading to an attempt of or an accomplished suicide. There are two main sources of treatment for depressed or suicidal teens: psychotherapy and medication. Usually both will be required for as one will not do all the fixing. In mild cases of depression, teenagers respond to supportive psychotherapy with active listening, advice and encouragement. Other people involved in the source of depression may need to be involved for surfacing of specific issues. While being treated, other tests should be done to find any other mental conditions that may contribute to this mental condition. Medication is another way of treatment. Although most people think that all that they need to do is take a pill or two and they will be fine. That is one of the biggest jokes in the books. Medications don’t help you get your feelings out; all they do is cover the pain inside. Talking to a therapist is a major step in healing. Many people think “What can they do for me?”, or “A shrink wont help me.” What they don’t realize is what a doctor can do for them. I personally have a councilor that I talk to about my issues and what not. When a problem comes up in my life I don’t bottle everything inside. I talk everything out and feel a whole lot better. ...