Suicide

Suicides among young people nationwide have increased dramatically in recent years. Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 - to - 24 years olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5 - to - 14 year olds.
Eric Harris responsible for the
massacre at Columbine High

REASONS

Teenagers experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up. For some teenagers, divorce, the formation of a new family with step- parents and stepsiblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. In some cases, suicide appears to be a "solution."

SYMPTONS

• Change in eating and sleeping habits
• Withdrawal from friends, and family and regular activities.
• Violent actions, rebellious behavior or running away.
• Drug and alcohol use
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance
• Marked personality change.
• Decline in the quality of schoolwork.
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
• Complain of being "rotten inside."
  
  Klebold responsible for the
  massacre at Columbine High
  
  
  

  SOLUTIONS

  Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The child or adolescent
  needs to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed and appropriate treatment plans developed. When parents are in doubt whether their child has a serious problem, a psychiatric examination can be very helpful. For more information contact:
  American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  3615 Wisconsin Avenue
  N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016
  
  
  
  Main Page