Suicide in adolescents: risk factors and prevention strategies

¶ … twenty-five years have witnessed a profound increase in the number of teenage suicides to the point that the problem is reaching epidemic proportions. In many countries throughout the world, teenage suicides are one of the leading causes of death. Fortunately, the steep rise in teenage suicides has been accompanied by an increased interest in such subject by health care professionals and researchers and considerable attention has therefore been afforded the subject. As a result of this increased interest, a better understanding of the problem has been attained and the risk factors associated with teenage suicide have been identified (Bridge).

The number of adolescent suicides in the United States is in the thousands to the point that suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-to-24. Adolescents and young adults are in a period of their lives when they experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial insecurity, and generalized fears of growing up. As if these fears and doubts were not enough, many teens must also deal with problems caused by family affairs such as divorce or step-parenting. For many adolescents, suicide seems like a logical and reasonable solution.

All adolescents must deal with the problems mentioned above but not all adolescents thing about suicide as the answer. Most teens never give a thought about taking such action so what is it that separates those teens who consider suicide from those that do not. The simple response is that the adolescents who consider suicide are also likely affected by some form of depression or other mental disorder that causes them to consider options that they ordinarily would not. Both depression and suicidal ideation are treatable but they must be recognized and diagnosed so that proper treatment can be provided. Unfortunately, the stigma of seeking such treatment remains strong in American society and often hampers attempts at directing the adolescent to treatment. Everyone is sensitive to the opinion and judgment of others but adolescents as an age group are particularly sensitive.

The signs of depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents are remarkably similar. Changes in eating and sleeping habits, withdrawal from family and friends, changes in personal appearance and hygiene, and violent or rebellious behavior are only a few of the most obvious signs. Parents, teachers and friends should be watchful for any of these signs or any other change in an individual's behavior. Early intervention can avoid the problems becoming more serious. Seeking profession help is an absolute necessity.

In recent years there has been a new wrinkle in the suicide crisis in America. Suicides directly related to bullying-related activities have become more frequent. Although a precise definition of what constitutes bullying is difficult, it is generally considered to be any act that uses force or coercion to affect others. It can be manifested through the use of verbal or physical assault, some form of coercion, or intimidation. It has been used for years by those seeking to exercise control over others and nearly everyone has been subject to it at some point in their lives and, therein, lies part of the problem. Too many adults view bullying as a part of growing up and suggest to their children to "just deal with it" but for many adolescents taking such an approach is ineffective and leads them to think that suicide is the only real escape from the bullying (Kim). The reported number of suicides related to bullying is on a steep increase and this fact has not been lost on the media as they have aggressively followed the subject (Eckholm).

Clearly, the problem of adolescent suicide demands serious attention. Suicides among all age groups are cause for concern but among those who are young and full of life it is of particular concern and when the factor of bullying is added it is time for society in general, school personnel, and mental health professionals to join together in an effort to examine and resolve the problem. Everyone having contact with adolescents should be aware of complaints being offered by such adolescents such as headaches, stomach aches, and eating and sleeping difficulties. Such difficulties are unusual for healthy adolescents and may be signs of the adolescent being victimized by a bully. Once the bullying has been identified, however, it is essential that a multi-disciplinary approach be adopted to not only treat the effects of the bullying but also to eradicate, as much as possible, the source of the bullying. Physicians, social workers, teachers, and parents must work to make sure that the schools, which is where most bullying occurs, are sensitive to developing policies and procedure that minimize the possibility of further bullying and identify the individuals responsible (Salmon).

Regardless of the underlying cause for suicide in adolescents it is important that those involved with adolescents find appropriate treatment for said individuals. As previously indicated, risk assessment is essential but once the risk is assessed addressing the concerns should be initiated as soon as possible. A one size fits all approach is likely not effective. Consideration must be afforded the intellectual and emotional age of the teen and his family dynamics must also be considered. A collaborative approach between the essential figures in the teenagers life is recommended before engaging in a treatment plan.