TEENAGE SUICIDE RISING TO

AN ALL TIME HIGH

SAIGE CURTIS PERIOD 4
Suicide is currently
the 3rd leading
cause of teen death
in the United
States. More teens
die from suicide
than cancer, heart
disease, AIDS, birth
defects, stroke, pneumonia, flu, and
chronic lung disease combined. There are
twice as many suicides than homicides
reported in the U.S. per year. According to
Suicide.org there were 4,212 youth (15-24)
suicides in 2005 in the U.S. alone, and the
rates are only growing. According to the
recent study from the UAB Mood Disorder
Program, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Neurobiology in Alabama, each
day 5240
 teens grades 7-12 attempt suicide.
Additionally, the CDC reported a 32.3 percent
increase among 15- to 19-year-old girls, and
a 9 percent increase among 15- to 19-year-
old boys.

THOSE WITH A
HIGHER RISK
Psychiatric
disorders
Mood
disorders
Depression
Bipolar
disorder
Teens brought
up in poverty
Past
experiences of
abuse
Traumatic
experiences
Genetic
makeup

4 out of 5 teens give clear warning signs

before their attempt to suicide.
No one wakes up one morning and decides to take their
own life. There are thought processes, events, and signs
leading to their death. Almost every teen will give at least
one clear sign, and one final cry for help before taking
their own life. Upon reading suicide surviving stories from
Psychologytoday.com , one of the most common things
talked about from the survivors was the fear and doubt of
death. Most suicidal teenagers still fear death up until the
time they attempt to take it. And, most can be easily
persuaded to stop taking such drastic measures. So, why
do they still do it? Because no ones talking to them about
it. Find the signs, take action, and talk about it!

Warning signs
include
Sudden, abrupt changes in
personality
Expressions of hopelessness
and despair
Declining grades and school
performance
Lack of interest in activities
once enjoyed
Increased irritability and aggressiveness
Withdrawal from family, friends and relationships
Lack of hygiene
Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Common Myths
People who talk about suicide wont really do it.
False: Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide
has given warning signs through their words or behaviors.
Do not ignore any suicide threats. Statements like Youll
be sorry when Im dead or I wish I was dead no
matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate
serious suicidal feelings.
If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is
going to stop him/her.
False: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed
feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment
between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal
people do not want to die; they want the pain to stop. The
impulse to end their life, however overpowering, does not
last forever.
Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
False: You do not give a person ideas about suicide by
talking about it. The opposite is true. If a person is
depressed or unhappy, discussing their feelings openly
and allowing them to express how they feel is one of the
most helpful things you can do. Even if they have had
suicidal thoughts, giving them permission to express
those thoughts can relieve some of the anxiety and
provide an avenue to recognize other ways to escape their
pain and sadness.
People who attempt suicide and do not complete suicide
are just trying to get attention and are not really serious.
False: To a certain degree, they are trying to get attention
and help for the pain that they are experiencing. A suicide
attempt, even half-hearted, is an attempt to seek help. If
the person perceives their action to be a suicide attempt,
then that is what it is. Any attempt, regardless of severity,
must be taken seriously and help must be sought for the
individual.
Suicide isnt a joke, suicide is a
real problem in America and all
over the world. Look for the
signs in your family, friends,
and classmates. Help to stop
the rapid growth of young lives
taken too early. Suicide is real,
but it is preventable. Go to
 https://afsp.org/ suicide.org or
https://www.psychologytoday.co
m/basics/suicide for more
information and help.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/suicide
https://afsp.org/
https://www.save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-
protective-factors/
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/#