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...
The pressures from the media, society, and peers makes it difficult for many teens to feel comfortable and go about their daily affairs without experiencing anxiety and, in some cases, depression. The result is that many teens begin to feel unloved or rejected and they turn to suicide as a viable option for reducing their anxiety or relieving themselves from the feelings of depression. For many suicide may seem like the only way to get rid of the pain. For most individuals this may seem like a strange or odd way to rid oneself of pain but for the individual contemplating suicide it may seem like the only available course of action. For this reason and many others it is imperative that everyone be aware of any signs of suicide or depression in those around them. The conditions and thinking that cause one to consider suicide are treatable but action must be taken at the appropriate time. Dealing with the stigma of seeking treatment is a much preferred route over one's family and friends having to deal with the finality of a suicide.
Works Cited
Bridge, Jeffrey a. "Adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior." Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2006): 372-394.
Eckholm, Erik. "6 Teenagers are Charged After Classmate's Suicide." New York Times 29 March 2010: A14.
Kim, Young Shin. "Bullying and suicide, a review." International Journal of Adolescent Medical Health (2008): 133-154.
Salmon, G. "Bullying in schools: self-reported anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in secondary school children." British Medical Journal (1998): 924-925.
Suicide in Adolescents
