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FACTS on Teen Suicide
What is Teen Suicide?
The taking of one’s own life between the ages of 11 and 18.
How Many Teens Commit Suicide?
Nearly 5,000 teenagers commit suicide each year.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24.
The ratio of male to female suicides is four to one; however, young women
attempt suicide four times more frequently.
White males have the highest increase in suicide.
Reports of suicide clusters, in which one suicide triggers several others
within a school or community, have increased.
What are the Signs of a Possible Suicide Attempt?
Giving away prized possessions
Feelings of hopelessness or rejection
Depression, in the form of loss of appetite, weight loss, change in sleeping
habits, or change in personality
Low self-esteem
Withdraws from regular activities with family or Friends Hospital
Slipping in school performance
Talk of suicide, death, or earlier attempts at suicide
Abuse of alcohol or drugs
New Findings on Teen Suicide
Depression and the risk for suicide might have biological as well as psychological causes.
Studies have shown that some people experiencing stress have altered
levels of certain brain chemicals
A family history of suicide is a significant risk factor in a young
person.
Young people tend to repeat the actions of those family members who are close to them
Biological relatives of a suicidal person are six times more likely to
attempt or succeed in suicide than are adoptive relatives
What Can You Do?
If someone you know brings up the subject of suicide, take them seriously.
Reassure them that they have someone to turn to, a friend to help them.
Don’t lecture about the reasons a person has to live, listen to them.
Contact someone for help. Depressive disorders respond well to psychotherapy
treatments or the appropriate medication.
Where Can You Go for Help?
Mental Health Association
Family physician
Community Mental Health Centers
Family Service Agency
General Hospitals
Self-help Groups
Psychiatric Care Facilities
Schools and Social Agencies
*Information courtesy of the American Psychiatric Association
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