Facing the Danger of Teen Suicide
Depression and Suicide are so often not talked about, and that’s where the danger lies. It’s time to start making mental health part of the conversation.
Across the U.S., nearly 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves every year, according to Mental Health America points out.
We are given clear warning by four out of five teens who attempt suicide, says MHA. Among other alerts, we might hear or see:
- Suicide threats, direct and indirect
- An obsession with death
- Giving away belongings
- Dramatic changes in personality or appearance
Don’t consider these signs “typical teenage drama”. Instead, your responsibility towards your teen is to:
- Offer help and listen.
- Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help.
- Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don’t be afraid of frank discussions.
- Seek professional help. Seek expert advice from a mental health professional with experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen’s life — family, friends and teachers.
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Mental Wellness Your Thriving ChildExercise lessens suicide risk for bullied teens
Regular exercise may lower bullied teens’ risk of suicide, according to a study by the University of Vermont that was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Using data from the CDC’s National Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 13,583 high school students, researchers found that being physically active four or more days per week resulted in a 23 percent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts in bullied students. The study comes at a time when 44 percent of the nation’s school administrators have cut significant amounts of time from physical education, arts and recess. Click here for the full release.
