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Write about teenage suicides in jonesboro.
Statistics have shown that suicide is the third largest cause of the death in the age group 15 to 24 year-olds in the United States. The situation is even grimmer among the teens, for the reasons behind suicides and attempted suicides among them could be complex. As per the findings of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 90% of the teens who take their lives have at least some form of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse as well as behavioral problem. The reasons could also include their problems at schools, with their peers as well as family or a combination of all these factors. As it is also a noted fact that there is a dramatic increase in the cases of suicides when kids turn to teens and they suddenly have access to firearms, so it was figured out that 60% of all the suicides in US are committed with the gun.
The recent suicides of 8 teenagers in Jonesboro is a case in point which raises a lot of questions as to what are those complex circumstances in their lives that lead them to take such a drastic step. The reasons for these incidences could be numerous in the wake of issues that go on in the society. Psychologists suggest that the cases of overdose using over-the-counter, prescription as well as non-prescription drugs are a very common means responsible for suicide incidences. So, it is very important to monitor carefully the medications, the youth are undergoing, by their parents at home. Such situations go out of control when the teens trade different prescription medications at schools with their peers and hide them at some convenient place. The rates of suicides are different for both girls and boys. As a matter of fact, suicidal tendencies in girls are twice as often as that in boys, however, boys die from suicides as much as four times than girls. This could perhaps be due to the use of more lethal methods such as firearms, hanging or jumping from heights.
Psychologists say that adolescence is a very crucial time of sexual identity and relationships and a need to be free and independent and that often conflict and confronted with the guidelines and expectations set by others. It is very difficult for the young people to cope-up with the mental health problems that they develop such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders and insomnia and eventually they come at the higher risk for suicidal thoughts. In the sale way, the teens who are witnessing major changes in their lives, such as parents’ divorce, relocating, parent not being able to take care of the family, financial changes as well as those teens who are the victims of bullying are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
Psychological or mental disorders such as depression
Increased alcohol and drug abuse
Change in eating and sleeping habits
Feelings of distress, irritability or agitation
Atmosphere of hopelessness and gloom that is often created by depression
A family history of depression and suicide
Teenagers being abused emotionally, physically and sexually
A lack of support group and social network, unhealthy relationships with parents and peers as well as feelings separations and isolation
A chronic hostility environment in the neighborhood
Exposure to those who have committed suicides
Financial loss
Borderline or anti-social personality disorder
The incidences of suicides occurring among teens take place after stressful life events that if go unnoticed become very problematic for the teens. So, it is very crucial on the part of the parents, doctors and psychologists that these issues are effectively outlined and addressed. Therefore, the teens who think about committing suicide might develop the following symptoms at any time in their respective life stages:
If they are generally talking about suicide or death
If they are hinting that they might not be there anymore
If they consider themselves being hopeless and guilty about something
If they are taking themselves away from family and friends
Psychologists also point out that they start distributing away their treasured possessions
If they show disinterest and lose desire to take part in their favorite activities
If they are having difficulty in concentrating or thinking clearly
If they are experiencing alterations in their eating or sleeping habits and patterns
If there is a drastic change in their behavioral patterns
The above mentioned warnings are a tell-tale sign about the rough patch that the teenagers are going through. Therefore, this is the time for their well-wishers to take precedence and start addressing these symptoms of the teenagers. In view of this, the friends, family as well as their psychologists should realize this and get ready with robust and profound strategies. The following steps could be immensely helpful when a teenager is at great risk of suicide:
1. Take it seriously: it is observed that 50% to 75% of the people who attempt suicide confide with at least someone about their intentions, so if somebody shows such a sign, it’s time to act now.
2. Ask Questions: it is very important that genuine concern be shown to the suicidal person by telling them specifically that their problems do have plausible solutions. It is also advisable that one shouldn’t be afraid of asking whether the suicidal person is considering any plan or method in mind because such questions will stop them from going towards taking that step.
3. Encourage professional help: according to most experts, it can work wonders for the suicidal individuals by effectively encouraging them to meet psychologists or mental health professionals immediately. It is general belief among suicidal people that they could never be helped, which is why, it is all the more necessary to assist them in identifying a scheduled appointment plan.
4. Take action: a positive affirmative action is very much mandatory in situations when a teenager is threatening and making plans for suicide because this a crisis that requires an instant attention. The use of firearms, drugs, alcohol or any other dangerous substances should be discouraged.
About Teen Suicide. Kidshealth.org. Retrieved 17 March 2016, from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/suicide.html#
Evans, D., & Andrews, L. (2005). If your adolescent has depression or bipolar disorder. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press.
Kolehmainen, J., & Handwerk, S. (1986). Teen suicide. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications.
T, D., T, D., & profile, V. (2013). Get Psych'd with Dr. T: Teen Suicide-Related Behavior: Risk and Protective Factors. Drerlangerturner.blogspot.in. Retrieved 17 March 2016, from http://drerlangerturner.blogspot.in/2013/05/May2013-Suicide-Risk.html
Teen Suicide Statistics. (2015). HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved 17 March 2016, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Teen-Suicide-Statistics.aspx