Why Do Teens Try to Kill Themselves?

 

Suicidal behavior is defined as a preoccupation or act that is focused on causing one’s own death voluntarily. Intent to cause one’s death is essential in the definition. Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of suicide or wanting to take one’s own life. Suicidal behavior refers to actions taken by one who is considering or preparing to cause his/her own death.

 

Few teens were interviewed after making a suicide attempt by a NGO. Most of the answers were found related to one or more from the following categories.

 

• Trying to escape from a situation that seemed impossible to deal with or to get relief from really bad thoughts or feelings.

 

• Some people who end their lives or attempt suicide might be trying to escape feelings of rejection, hurt, or loss.

 

• Some people may be worried about disappointing friends or family members.

 

• Some may feel unwanted, unloved, victimized, or like they’re a burden to others.

 

• Worry about sexuality and relationships, wondering if their feelings and attractions are normal, or if they will be loved and accepted.

 

• Some teens have learning problems or attention problems that make it hard for them to succeed in school.

 

We all feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations sometimes. But most people get through it or can put their problems in perspective and find a way to carry on with determination and hope.

 

• So why does one person try suicide when another person in the same tough situation does not?

 

• What makes some people more resilient (better able to deal with life’s setbacks and difficulties) than others?

 

• What makes a person unable to see another way out of a bad situation besides ending his or her life?

 

The answer to those questions lies in the fact that most people who commit suicide have depression.

 

Depression:

 

Depression leads people to focus mostly on failures and disappointments, to emphasize the negative side of their situations, and to downplay their own capabilities or worth. Someone with severe depression is unable to see the possibility of a good outcome and may believe they will never be happy or things will never go right for them again. That’s why depressed people don’t realize that suicide is not a permanent solution to a temporary problem in the same way that other people do.

 

A teen with depression may feel like there’s no other way out of problems, no other escape from emotional pain, or no other way to communicate their desperate unhappiness.

 

Psychological features of depression:

 

• Sadness of mood.

 

• Decreased pleasure & interest in activities which they enjoyed previously.

 

• Decreased attention, forgetfulness, like forgets where he/ she have kept things.

 

• Easily irritated.

 

• Most importantly, occasionally no wish to live. Bad news is that this condition can be fatal. 40% of all suicides reported are in people with depression.

 

When depression lifts because a person gets the proper therapy or treatment, the distorted thinking is cleared. The person can find pleasure, energy, and hope again. But while someone is seriously depressed, suicidal thinking is a real concern.

 

Warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behavior:

 

Many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also symptoms of depression. Observations of the following behaviors by parents and care givers may be helpful in identifying adolescents who may be at risk of attempting suicide:

 

• Changes in eating and sleep habits.

 

• Loss of interest in usual activities.

 

• Withdrawal from friends and family members.

 

• Acting out behaviors and running away.

 

• Alcohol and drug use.

 

• Neglect of personal appearance.

 

• Unnecessary risk-taking.

 

• Preoccupation with death and dying.

 

• Increased physical complaints frequently associated with emotional distress such as stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue.

 

• Loss of interest in school or schoolwork.

 

• Feelings of boredom.

 

• Difficulty in concentrating.

 

• Feelings of wanting to die.

 

• Lack of response to praise.

 

• Talking about suicide or death in general.

 

• Talking about “going away”.

 

• Referring to things they “won’t need,” and giving away possessions.

 

• Talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty.

 

• Pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out.

 

• Having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities.

 

• Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly.

 

• Experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits.

 

• Engaging in self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for example.

 

The warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behaviors may resemble with other medical conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.

 

What if this is you, Talk to someone you trust as soon as you can. If you can’t talk to a parent, talk to a coach, a relative, a school counselor, a religious leader, or a teacher.

 

Coping With Problems:

 

Problems can be difficult and draining — and can lead to depression if they go on too long without relief or support. We all struggle with painful problems and events at times. How do people get through it without becoming depressed? Part of it is staying connected to family, friends, school, faith, and other support networks. People also cope better when they keep in mind that most problems are temporary and can be overcome.

 

When struggling with problems, it helps to:

 

• Tell someone you trust what’s going on with you.

 

• Be around people who are caring and positive.

 

• Ask someone to help you figure out what to do about a problem you’re facing.

 

• Work with a therapist or counselor if problems are getting you down and depressed — or if you don’t have a strong support network, or feel you can’t cope.

 

Counselors and therapists can provide emotional support and can help teens build their own coping skills for dealing with problems.

 

Treatment for suicidal feelings and behaviors:

 

Specific treatment for suicidal feelings and behaviors will be determined by physician based on:

 

• Teen’s age, overall health, and medical history.

 

• Extent of your teen’s symptoms.

 

• Seriousness of the attempt.

 

• Teen’s tolerance for specific medications or therapies.

 

• Expectations regarding future suicide risk.

 

Any adolescent who has attempted suicide requires an initial physical evaluation and treatment until he/she is physically stable. Mental health treatment for suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behaviors begins with detailed evaluation of events in the adolescent’s life during the two to three days preceding the suicidal behaviors.

 

A comprehensive evaluation of the adolescent and family contributes to decisions regarding treatment needs. Treatment recommendations may include individual therapy for the adolescent, family therapy, and, when necessary, hospitalization to provide the adolescent a supervised and safe environment. Parents play a vital supportive role in any treatment process

 

Prevention of suicide:

 

Recognition and early intervention of mental and substance abuse disorders is the most effective way to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior. Studies have shown that suicide prevention programs most likely to succeed are those focused on identification and treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, coping with stress, and controlling aggressive behaviors.

 

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), it is important to learn the warning signs of teenage suicide in order to prevent an attempt. Maintaining open communication with your teenager and their friends provides an opportunity for helping as needed. If a teen is talking about suicide, he or she must receive an immediate evaluation.

 

Steps parents can take:

 

1. Keep medications and firearms away from children.

 

2. Get your child help (medical or mental health professional).

 

3. Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected).

 

4. Become informed (library, local support group, Internet).

 

Steps teens can take:

 

1. Take your friend’s behavior and discussion of suicide seriously.

 

2. Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary.

 

3. Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t be alone in helping your friend.

 

Author: Mona Gupta, New Delhi

 

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