TEEN suicide By: Dulce Fajardo, P.2

Suicide What is suicide? The action of killing oneself intentionally. What is suicidal behavior? Suicidal behavior is defined as a preoccupation or act that is focused on causing one’s own death voluntarily.

Population differences Ethnic groups Sex ratio Suicide rates vary for different ethnic groups due to cultural differences. In 1998, suicides among European Americans accounted for 84% of all youth suicides, 61% male and 23% female. However, the suicide rate for Native Americans was 19.3 per 100,000, much higher than the overall rate (8.5 per 100,000). The suicide rate for African Americans  has increased more than twofold since 1981. A national survey of high school students conducted in 1999 reported that Hispanic  students are twice as likely to report an attempted suicide than Caucasian students. In the U.S, male adolescents commit suicide at a rate five times greater that that of female adolescents, although suicide attempts by females are three times as frequent as those by males.

Gay teens or those unsure of their sexual identity are more likely to commit suicide, particularly if they have suffered bullying or harassment. Sexuality

Warnings signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behavior: 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 Neglected of personal appearance Unnecessary risk-taking Preoccupation with death and dying Feelings of boredom Difficulty concentrating Feelings of wanting to die Lack of response to praise

Facts About TEEN Suicide Suicide is the third -leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after accidents and homicide. It's also thought that at least 25 attempts are made for every completed teen suicide Suicide rates differ between boys and girls. Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys, and tend to attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves. Yet boys die by suicide about four times as often girls, perhaps because they tend to use more lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights.

Prevention 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: Keep medications and firearms away from children. Get your child help (medical or mental health professional). Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected). Become informed (library, local support group, Internet) Steps teens can take: Take your friend's behavior and discussion of suicide seriously. Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary. Talk to an adult you trust. Don't be alone in helping your friend.

Any teen 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 teen’s life during the two to three days preceding the suicidal behaviors. A comprehensive evaluation of the teen’s 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. Treatment

Resources http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Teen+Suicide&section=Facts+for+Families http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_suicide_in_the_United_States http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/youth_suicide.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_suicide