Troubled Teens

Native American Teens Struggle with Suicidal Thoughts

When Lucy was 14, whenever she felt overwhelmed by pressure or despair, she didn't turn to parents, school counselors or friends - she turned to blades or bottles of pills. Now 21, Lucy admits making at least seven suicide attempts.

"That's an attitude that doesn't surprise Tillie Black Bear, chairman of the Rosebud Suicide Task Force. She is convinced that it exists to a greater extent than many people on her reservation are willing to believe."

Children who grow up on reservations often deal with levels of alcoholism, poverty, and gangs that most kids don't ever experience. This makes them far more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, experts say. Source: Argus Leader (Sioux Fall, MD)

Labels: cutting, drinking, suicide

Spike in Teenage Suicides No Fluke

U.S. researchers have said that a recent spike in teenage suicides isn't an anomaly, and should be taken very seriously. The statement comes in the wake of a recent study that found that although suicide rates have declined, they remain dangerously high.

"Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18 percent increase in suicide rates for Americans under age 19 in 2004... In 2004, they said there were 326 more suicides than expected and in 2005, there were 292 more suicides than expected."

The study says that "attention must now be directed toward understanding whether warning about suicide risks linked with antidepressant use caused fewer troubled teens to get treatment." Suicide is the third-biggest killer of children and young adults in the United States. Source: Reuters

Labels: mental_health, suicide, treatment_programs

College Students and Suicidal Thoughts

In a recent anonymous survey, more than 50 percent of college students admitted to having at least one episode of suicidal thinking.

"The majority of students described their typical episode of suicidal thinking as intense and brief, with more than half the episodes lasting one day or less. The researchers found that, for a variety of reasons, more than half of students who experienced a recent suicidal crisis did not seek professional help or tell anyone about their suicidal thoughts."

The authors of the study have suggested that a new model be developed for identifying and treating students who are suicidal. Their recommendation includes focusing on thoughts and behaviors, rather than waiting for students to be in crisis. Source: MediLexicon

Labels: college-students, mental_health, suicide

Potential Signs of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. Many who have lost a teenager to suicide say there were signs that, tragically, were overlooked or dismissed. Here are some signs to watch for:

"Impulsive and aggressive behavior, frequent expressions of rage, exposure to another's suicidal behavior... family instability...change in eating pattern... neglect of academic work..."

If these or other signs become apparent in a young person's life, take it seriously, watch them closely, and get them some help. Source: Bucks County Courier Times

Labels: suicide, warning_signs

Millions Available in Campus Suicide Prevention Grants

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is soliciting applications for grants to support on-campus suicide prevention programs. The department expects to have about $2.1 million to fund about 21 grants.

"The American College Health Association's 2006 National College Health Assessment found that nine percent of students enrolled in a higher education institution had seriously considered suicide within the past year, and that 1.3 percent actually attempted suicide."

Grant availability is contingent on fiscal year 2009 funding, and average annual awards will be up to $100,000 a year for up to three years. Grant eligibility is limited to public and private institutes of higher learning. Source: Medical News Today

Labels: grants, prevention, suicide

Student-helmed Show to Benefit International Organization

Emily is a high school senior at Wyoming Valley West. After she lost a friend to suicide earlier this year, the tragedy prompted her to hold a benefit concert to help support the non-profit organization To Write Love on Her Arms.

"To Write Love On Her Arms [is] an international organization that provides counseling and assistance to teenagers suffering with depression, addiction or self-mutilation issues."

The benefit was scheduled to be held at an area jazz café, and Emily said she hoped that at least 150 attendees would be on hand to support the bands and the organization. Source: Times Leader News

Labels: counseling, prevention, suicide

Kids Need Better Coping Skills

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that for every child ages 10-14 who commits suicide, 100 to 200 others attempt to kill themselves. The statistic is alarming; as alarming as the fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death in this age group.

"For a long time we've talked about the crucial hours between school dismissal and parents getting home from work - those minutes and hours when latch key kids are home alone. This time and place is the most common for suicides..."

Sudden changes in mood or habits are often signs that something is seriously wrong with a young person. If he isn't able to properly cope with what he's feeling, he may view suicide as his only way out. It's important for parents to know the warning signs, but equally important that they help their kids learn how to express their thoughts and emotions in healthy ways. Source: Salem (Ohio) News

Labels: coping_skills, risky_behaviors, suicide

Doctors Warn Parents about Teen Suicide Warning Signs

Teens that injure themselves, take life-endangering risks, or have explosive personalities are more likely to commit suicide, two psychiatrists warn parents.

Speaking at a conference on suicide this week, Dr. Barbara Stanley said that self-mutilation in any form can be a warning sign, whether it's a girl burning herself with a cigarette or a boy who carves a friend's initials in his arm.

"Once you start to hurt yourself," she said, "it is a closer step to do the next type of hurting."

She said that recklessness, such as walking on a steep rooftop, also could be a sign of suicide ideation.

Dr. Eric Fombonne, director of the McGill University Department of Psychiatry, said teens that are "easily irritated and explosive" need to be monitored, too.

Teen suicides are increasing, especially among girls aged 10 to 14 years old. Girls attempt suicide two to four times more often than boys; however, boys complete suicides five times as often as girls. Suicide attempts peak between 16 and 18 years old.

Labels: antidepressants, depression, suicide

Study Casts Doubt on Antidepressants

A study conducted through the University of Hull in the United Kingdom has found that anti-depression medication may only benefit people who are severely depressed and not people who have moderate to mild depression.

"The finding 'means that depressed people can improve without chemical treatments,' lead author Irving Kirsch said in a statement."

While that may be true, Kirsch and others warned that no one should suddenly stop taking a prescription medication. People who are mildly or moderately depressed should talk with their doctor about alternative treatment possibilities such as psychotherapy. Source: Canada.com.

Labels: antidepressants, medictions, suicide

Suicide's Stigma Hampers Prevention

Susan Wylie, counseling coordinator at the University of Alaska Southeast, wants to send a message to parents and educators: Break the stigma surrounding mental illness. One of the best ways to prevent teen suicide is by talking about it, but social stigmas often prevent that kind of open dialogue.

"Mental illness affects a majority of people who commit suicide, according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, a national group dedicated to suicide prevention and based in Bloomington, Minn. And one in five teens experience depression before becoming adults, Wylie said."

Know the warning signs, and don't be afraid to talk to a teenager that you think is exhibiting some of the warning signs. You may be the only person who gives him the opportunity to talk. Read more at JuneauEmpire.com.

Mental illness in teens is a real and serious issue facing many families. An adolescent residential treatment center can offer the therapy and counseling needed to help teenagers and their families. Youth Care is a licensed treatment center for teens in Utah.

Labels: prevention, suicide, treatment_programs

Teen Suicide Rates Increase Slightly

Although the rate of teen suicides is up, the actual number of teenagers who commit suicide remains small, according to Dr. Nancy Rappaport of Harvard Medical School.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 14 to 24. The rate for suicides was 6.7 per 100,000 in 2003 compared to 9.4 per 100,000 in 2007. The number of suicides tripled between the late 1960s to the late 1980s, but dropped 30% since the early 1990s. Many scientists believe that decrease was due to the use of anti-depressant drugs.

However, Dr. Rappaport, an expert on teen suicide, said there is no way to determine if teen suicides have increased because of "black box" warnings on drug labels mandated by the FDA in 2005.

The vast majority of teens who commit suicide are mentally ill. A 1987 study of 170 suicide victims found that 90% had mental disorders. Suicide is also associated with drug abuse. Teens most frequently commit suicide with guns, followed by drug overdoses and hangings.

If your child shows five of these symptoms, it is a good idea to take him to the doctor for an evaluation. Signs of suicidal ideation are excessive sleeping, irritability, depression, restlessness, lack of interest in friends and family, lack of interest in usual activities, loss of appetite, and a drop in school performance.

Your family doctor or therapist might recommend a residential treatment center for your teen. Island View is an adolescent treatment center that offers children a place to work through their emotions while earning school credits.

Labels: mental_health, residential_treatment_centers, suicide

SOS Program Has Positive Results

SOS (Signs of Suicide) is a teen suicide prevention program that was first introduced in the 2000-01 school year. The materials include a video, and printed materials including a self-screening survey in which students can ask to talk to an adult about either themselves or a friend who might be at risk of attempting suicide.

"Research reports in 2004 and 2007 found that suicide attempts were 40 percent less for students in the SOS high school program than for the control group. The results were similar across racial and socioeconomic groups. Because of such studies, SOS is listed on the National Registry of Effective Programs maintained by the US government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration."

The program also teaches students to use the ACT method of "acknowledging" that a friend has a problem, "caring" by letting the friend know they want to help, and "telling" a trusted adult.

The Teen-Help-Directory offers help and information for teenagers and their parents. Find help for your teen before he or she turns to suicide.

Labels: education, http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif, prevention, suicide

Suicide Rates Drop During Holidays

The rate of suicide goes down during the holiday season, often by as much as 40%, according to research from the University of Oxford, London.

"Our findings are contrary to the popular view that Christmas is a time of stress and arguments," said Helen Bergman, one of the social scientists who combed through emergency room records of over 19,300 people.

The Oxford group found a decrease in rates of self-inflicted injuries on and into New Year regardless of age, family connections or social isolation.

This study appears in the journal Social Science and Medicine.

Labels: research, self-harm, suicide

Sleep Loss Linked to Suicidal Tendencies

Teens that don't get enough sleep on a regular basis are at greater risk of having suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide, according to recent studies. Dr. Zianchen Liu of Arizona State University's Prevention Research Center analyzed survey results from 1,362 junior and senior high school students. The surveys questioned the teens about their sleep patterns and their suicidal behavior.

"The students generally reported getting about 7.6 hours of sleep each night. And, study findings show, the less sleep the adolescents had, the more likely they were to report having attempted suicide. Those who slept less than eight hours each night were about three times more likely to attempt suicide than those who slept a minimum of nine hours."

Nightmares also increased the likelihood that teens would have suicidal thoughts - they were twice as likely to consider suicide than teens that didn't experience nightmares. Ideally, adolescents should get nine hours of sleep each night. Parents who know their teens aren't getting enough sleep should watch for signs of depression or anxiety. A parent that notices suicidal warning signs - like a teen giving away prized possessions - should contact a psychologist or psychiatrist right away.

TeenBoardingSchools.com offers help for parents of children who are spinning out of control. Find private boarding schools and programs for troubled teens and get your child the help they need now.

Labels: sleep, suicide, teens

"Huffing" Linked to Suicide In Juvenile Delinquents

A study of 723 teenagers in juvenile prisons found a significant link between suicide and the inhalation of vapors from household products.

Inhaling vapors or "huffing" substances such as nail polish remover, antifreeze, gasoline, lighter fluid and others was correlated with increased thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts.

The link was significant - 81% of the girls and 60% of the boys who "huffed" were also suicidal.

The researchers were unsure whether suicidal teens are more likely to "huff" or if that behavior caused suicidal ideation.

Researchers from the Universities of Pittsburgh, Denver and North Carolina collaborated on the study, which appears in the journal, Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Teen suicide can be prevented. Learn how to help http://www.boardingschoolsinfo.com/teen-suicide.html.

Labels: delinquents, huffing, suicide

Program Could Help Prevent Teen Suicide

When Gary Parker started studying the behavioral patterns of teens with suicidal tendencies, he discovered something shocking: one-third of teens who commit suicide visit a doctor in the week before they die. Parker also found that many doctors and nurses miss the warning signs, which are evident if they know what to look for.

"A year later, a suicide prevention presentation...has made its way around the state [of Oklahoma] and overseas to China, reaching more than 2,000 people so far, and garnering Parker a national award from the medical clothing maker Cherokee."

The 30-minute presentation not only dispels some of the myths about teen suicide, but provides resources and a referral list for caregivers.

Labels: prevention, suicide, warning_signs

Suicide Rates among Teens Increases by More Than 8%

A study from the Center for Disease Control indicates that more teenagers, especially girls, are committing suicide.

The suicide rate among children and teenagers increased by 8% in 2004, the largest increase in fifteen years. Between 1990 and 2003, there was actually a 28% decline in rates.

The percentage of young girls taking their own lives increased the most. Among girls ages 10 to 14 years, the rate increased from 0.54 per 100,000 to 0.95 per 100,000. Among girls ages 15 to 19 years, the rate jumped from 2.66 to 3.52 per 100,000. Among boys ages 15 to 19 years, the rate increased 11.61 to 12.65 per 100,000.

Many experts were predicting an increase in teenage suicides because of black box warnings on antidepressant drugs. The increased rate of suicide coincides with the Food and Drug Administration's requirement that antidepressant prescription labels carry a warning that using the drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behaviors. Antidepressant prescriptions for patients under age 18 years fell by 10% in 2004.

Interested in military boarding schools for your teenager? Excel Academy is an alternative to military boarding schools in Texas.

Labels: antidepressants, medictions, suicide

Suicide Rate among American Girls Spikes

The latest numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control show a 67% increase in the rate of suicide among 10- to 14-year-old girls between 2003 and 2003. The rate among girls aged 15-19 rose 32 percent.

"Overall, there were 4,599 suicides among young people in 2004, making it the third-leading cause of death, surpassed only by car crashes and homicide... Males committed suicide far more often than females, accounting for about three-quarters of suicides in this age group."

Richard Lieberman, who coordinates the suicide prevention program for L.A. public schools, said that increased rates of depression may account for the suicide spike.

Youth Care offers programs for troubled teens at their therapeutic boarding school.

Labels: awareness, prevention, suicide

FDA Warning Labels May Increase Incidence of Suicide in Teenagers

Putting warning labels on anti-depressants may put more teenagers at risk for suicide, according to a new study by the University of South Florida and University of Illinois.

Professors Hendricks Brown and Robert Gibbons studied depressed teenagers who were taking different classes of medicines and those who were not taking any drugs. They also looked at the medical records of teenagers who had successfully committed suicide. They found that when a teenager began a drug regime, he or she had fewer attempts at suicide. They also found that very few of those who had successfully killed themselves were taking antidepressants at the time of their deaths.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers. Last week the Center for Disease Control announced a spike in the number of teen suicides, particularly among girls.

Dr. Brown believes the increase in suicide may be related to warning labels newly mandated by the Federal Drug Administration. The labels warn that taking certain antidepressants may cause an increase in suicide ideation among young people.

"With the FDA warnings, there has been a rapid lowering of antidepressant prescriptions and a corresponding increase in youth suicides," he wrote. "We found similar results in the Netherlands once the warning was broadcast there as well."

This study appears in the September 2007 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

If you're worried your child is thinking about suicide, then an adolescent residential treatment center that offers programs for troubled teens may help.

Labels: antidepressants, medictions, suicide

KidsPeace Responds to Suicide Rate Increase

In response to the Centers for Disease Control's shocking news on an 8% jump in the rate of teen suicide, the national children's crisis charity KidsPeace has issued a series of warning signs, potentially life-saving tips, and free resources to try and help prevent such unnecessary tragedies.

"There are a number of reasons why children, like adults, may find themselves thinking the unthinkable. At the core of all motivating factors lies a desperate need to cope with a situation that may seem beyond remedy."

The suicide rate for 10- to 14-year olds increased by 100 percent from 1980 to 1996 and is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds.

Labels: crisis, prevention, suicide

Teen Suicide - a Horrific, Growing Trend

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people age 15- to 24-years old. Strong ties to family and friends can help protect most teens.

"'Early identification and access to help is the best way to reach out to children and adolescents at a very vulnerable time in their lives,' said Sally Fiehrer, director of the Butler County National Alliance on Mental Health."

Sudden withdrawal from friends, family and activities, neglect of personal appearance, and violent or rebellious behavior are just some of the warning signs. Read more at Journal-News.com.

Teenagers struggling with issues can find professional help and treatment at a residential treatment center like Island View. If you've been unable to find a treatment program for your teen becuase of a lack of proper diagnosis, then check out The Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment. The Institute offers all of the assessments necessary to gather and assemble a clear diagnostic picture and a treatment plan that will help get your teenager back on the right track.

Labels: prevention, risky_behaviors, suicide

Australian Parent Fears for Teens

Robert Gater's daughter Jodie committed suicide at the young age of 16. The bodies of her and her friend Stephanie Gestier were found in the Dandenong Rages of Australia this past Sunday. Gater says his daughter spent a lot of time online, and even posted a suicide message on MySpace. Adolescent psychologists warn parents to keep their kids from getting lost online.

"Don't let them disappear behind this emotional firewall called MSN,' Dr. [Michael] Carr-Gregg said. 'There are many factors that lead to suicide but parents should make sure they know what their kids are doing online.'"

The danger with kids spending a lot of time online is that troubled kids are able to find each other, connect, and can often feed off of each others negative and/or destructive emotions. Read more at TheAge.com.au.

Labels: myspace, online_safety, suicide

MySpace Joins Forces with Inspire Foundation

MySpace, the online social community that's wildly popular among adolescents, has joined together with the Inspire Foundation to raise awareness about youth suicide.

"Since Friday, the web community has featured banner advertisements linking to a site with information about issues including grief, depression, alcohol, drugs, and sexuality."

Inspire and MySpace have been working together for about 12 months. Both organizations are excited about the partnership and promise more opportunities for young people to reach and get help in the near future.

Read more at Inspire.org.au.

Labels: awareness, myspace, suicide

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