Causes and solutions for teen
Causes and solutions for teen"Every 90 minutes, a teenager somewhere in America kills himself." (Brian LaRue, 1996). This figure is very astonishing and overwhelming when you take time to think about it. This essay will portray some of the warning signs that friends and families should be aware of and what a person should do to help a friend who is contemplating suicide. It will also consider the external and internal pressures and influences that might explain this growing phenomenon.
"Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain." (Teen Challenge, 1998). This pain could be derived from abuse, problems at home, pressures, exams, money, work, relationships or chronic addictions such as drugs and/or alcohol. The Teen Challenge Homepage (1998) stated that "Suicide doesn't just happen.... there are a series of events that occur, there are signs that are evident in these times that if noticed, can stop the waste of another life." These series of events are impossibilities or failures, such as problems at home or school, that feel overwhelming to the individual. The next step in this phase commences when the individual begins to feel emotionally broken, as if there is no one there that understands what they are feeling and going through. This leads to isolation with their thoughts and problems which is unhealthy because it gives them time to ponder over all of their worries. Eventually, if the problem goes unnoticed by friends or family members, it can lead to suicide (Teen Challenge, 1998).
What, you may ask, is going on in the head of a suicidal teen when he/she decides to kill himself/herself? They may be thinking of pressures such as the widespread use of alcohol and other drugs unheard of 40 or 50 years ago. These adolescent want to "fit in" and be part of "the group." Another problem that may arise in their troubled thoughts are family problems at home, troubles at school with their teachers and/or peers, the thought of writing an exam that they have been dreading, or money difficulties. The worst frame of mind for an attempted suicide is when all of the individual's problems seem to come crashing down on them all at once. This is when they need the most support and guidance from their families. A sign that someone cares and wants to understand their feelings and emotions can be all it takes to decide the difference between life and death.
Brian LaRue (1996) reported that experts say there are many warning signs to watch for. Among them are: prolonged depression or withdrawal; chronic anger, aggression or frustration; threats or mentions of suicidal thoughts; a traumatic loss of someone close; disappointment or humiliation, especially in public; negative changes in behavior; uncharacteristic personality traits or attitude changes; heavy alcohol or drug use; preoccupation or obsession with death; or giving possessions away and making final arrangements. If you as a friend notice these signs, you can immediately offer some verbal support to these distraught individuals.
Often, suicide attempts are simply a cry for help or attention. Dr. Lawrence Levine (1996) said not all of the victims he has encountered meant to kill themselves. He also noted that people attempting suicide tend to have low self-esteem. Counseling, teen infolines, clinics and doctors are able to reduce the threat to the individual seeking help and aid them in leading a normal, fruitful life. Sometimes, after prolonged treatments, patients are placed in a psychiatric ward or institution. Offering non-judgmental support, being a good listener, building an open line of communication with your children/friend and contributing your time are all positive ways for a parent or friend to counteract suicidal thoughts.
Thus it is apparent from the above information, suicide is a serious and dangerous threat to teens that feel under pressured and emotionally stressed. Counseling is a very effective way to minimize this threat. Pressures can be very hard on them until they eventually feel that the answer to all their problems is killing themselves. By understanding the early warning signs given by suicidal individuals, more adolescents may be give a chance to live a long, safe life.
References
Brain LeRue (1996)
(http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Majerus_Collins/youthspi.html)
Dr. Lawrence Levine (1996)
(http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Majerus_Collins/youthspi.html)
Teen Challenge (1998)
(http://www.tc.asn/au/