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 … [Read more...]