4 Troubled Teens Blog

In 2001, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death among teenagers. Today, its #3. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that suicide results in thousands of lives lost every year (4,500 people between the ages of 10 and 24).

According to a Jan. 12 Medical News Today article, researchers have discovered that much work remains in the effort to educate both parents and teens about warning signs that might indicate a young person is considering suicide:

In focus groups in Chicago and Kansas City, both teenagers and their parents correctly identified many of the known risk factors for suicide, including mental illness, alcohol and substance abuse, relational or social loss, and hopelessness.

However, study authors said it was concerning that some of the parents reported regular drug and alcohol use as being a normal part of adolescent development, rather than problem behavior.

Parents and teens suggested guns should be removed if an adolescent is known to be suicidal, but parents acknowledged they may not be able to identify a suicidal teen. Parents and teens didn't think suicide was a problem in their communities.

All groups were interested in learning how to identify and intervene with a suicidal adolescent.

Study authors conclude pediatricians should regularly screen all adolescents in their offices and encourage families to be open to discussing depression and suicide.

Labels: suicide, prevention, warning_signs

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Patti Skelton-McGougan, executive director of Youth Eastside Services in East King County, Washington, is still haunted by a high school friend's suicide. Looking back, she says, she can see the warning signs that she was too naïve to recognize or act upon at the time - and she is urging others not to make the same mistake:

"Everybody - teens as well as adults - should be aware of and alert to the warning signs. Kids who are thinking about suicide will often talk to their friends before they talk to their parents or even a school counselor."

Be aware of sudden changes in mood, eating or sleeping patterns, or increases in the use of alcohol or other drugs. And don't be afraid to confront the person or talk to a parent or teacher. Source: Bellevue (WA) Reporter

Labels: suicide, warning_signs

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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

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Nationally known forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carl Greiner says that, while warning signs are always there before emotionally troubled people act out, our society is still learning how to respond to those signs. A young person who's exhibiting warning signs should be evaluated immediately by a mental health professional.

"Americans probably delay too long, Greiner said, in strongly recommending that disturbed young people be evaluated. 'Part of the great American tradition of liberty is that we tend to be very hesitant about doing that,' he said."

But incidents like the mall shooting which took place in Omaha, Nebraska a couple of weeks ago bring into question the balance between public safety and individual liberty. Someone who's suicidal is also at risk of hurting other people. Experts urge the general public to use crisis centers and hotlines to get help either for themselves or others who may be in trouble.

If you fear your teen may be depressed or suicidal, get them help immediately! Learn about therapeutic boarding schools so you can get your teenager they help they so desperately need.

Labels: mental_health, warning_signs, treatment_programs

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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: suicide, prevention, warning_signs

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