I can’t think of anything more tragic than teen suicide. Can you even begin to imagine what it must be like to have your son or daughter die by their own hand? I can’t! As horrible as it is to discuss suicide, parents need to be aware that many teens attempt suicide, and every 5 hours one succeeds.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) felt this issue important enough to publish three articles about suicide in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics. They noted that more that 5% of American teenagers attempt suicide each year and nearly 2000 of them die. Suicide is a terrible thing; but, they point out, if the signs of pending suicide are recognized early, this disaster can often be prevented.
As caring parents, friends, and professionals, we should be alert to the signs of depression which usually precede suicide:
• Sad, anxious, or empty mood.
• Declining school performance.
• Loss of pleasure in things meant to be pleasurable (called anhedonia, this is the most common symptom of depression).
• Loss of interest in sports or other social activities.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Change in weight or appetite.
The American Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes these added pre-suicidal behaviors. A teenager may:
• Complain of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside.
• Give verbal hints with statements such as: “I won’t be a problem for you much longer,” “nothing matters,” “it’s no use,” and “I won’t see you again.”
• Put his or her affairs in order: give away favorite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc.
• Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.
• Have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts).
You can educate yourself more on teen suicide by going to www.mentalhealth.org/suicideprevention.
As important as it is for parents, teachers, coaches, and everyone who has contact with teens, to know the above signs it is imperative that every teenager has a physician with whom he or she can confidentially discuss personal issues. Physicians, too, must become knowledgeable and comfortable with difficult teen issues. A list of the questions that a teen’s doctor must ask each teenager during an annual health evaluation is listed in the appendix of Messengers in Denim, from which the above material is taken. Before allowing a doctor to conduct your teen’s annual exam inquire if he/she asks these questions . (Unfortunately you will have to wait until August to get the book, but it can be pre-ordered now on line or at your favorite book store.) You owe it to the teens in your life to read this book.
With help, suicide is preventable.