Research Project- Teen Suicide Prevention | Teen Ink

Research Project- Teen Suicide Prevention

May 26, 2023
By Anonymous

Covid-19 has a major toll on teenagers. Many teens become depressed or not as confident as they were before quarantine. Teens all over the world were having suicidal thoughts (serious or not). Killing yourself should never be an option no matter what. “Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in America. Worldwide 1 million people die from suicide. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause for teens. Each day, 12 teens commit suicide. 12.3 million people worldwide think about committing.” (2023 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) Almost half of the people who commit are teens. The suicide rate since 1970 has quadrupled for boys and doubled for girls. A few reasons teens may commit are body image issues, changes in feelings and thoughts, and stress. Them being confused, nervous, or scared. But most of these reasons are normal development changes. If you are concerned about a friend or yourself here are some warning signs: 

Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Loss of interest in usual activities 
withdrawal from friends and family members
 acting out, and running away
 alcohol and drug use
 neglecting one's personal appearance
 unnecessary risk-taking
 obsession with death and dying 
loss of interest in school or work
feeling bored or having problems focusing
Lack of response to praise
Warning Graphic Content

This story below was posted from the site: fulleryouthinstitute.org/blog/in-the-aftermath-of-suicide

To keep it short here is a summary: A text had come across a law enforcement's phone. The text read “Student committed suicide, please call ASAP". She came to support anyone dealing with this trauma. When she arrived, everyone was in shock. They kept on asking questions about what happened. Specifically "what if”. (What if I could have stopped him from doing this? What if I had known the pain he was in? What if I missed something?) Many of this student teachers were feeling extremely guilty. (Mary Glenn|Jun 22, 2022) 

Kids all around the world are going through the same or similar things and you don't even know it. When you think you are alone you have to snap back into reality. You have to realize even if they're not physically with you, they are there for you. Reaching out for help should always be an option. I know it is difficult to trust people with these sorts of things but, you are strong. 

Five steps to help yourself or someone you know in emotional pain: nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It's not an easy question, but studies show that asking individuals who are at risk if they are suicidal does not increase thoughts. 
KEEP THEM OR YOURSELF SAFE: Keeping a suicidal person away from dangerous items or places is very important. This is not always easy, asking this person has a plan and removing any objects they could use makes a difference. 
BE THERE: Listen to what they have to say and learn what this person is thinking and feeling. Research shows that knowing and talking about suicide reduces others' thoughts. 
HELP THEM OR YOURSELF CONTACT: Save the hope line. hopeline-nc.org/ You can call or text the number 988. Also, the Crisis Text Line number (741741) is in your phone so they are there if you need it. You can also talk to someone you are close to and can trust. Such as a friend, family member, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional. 
STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. (The National Institute of Mental Health is part of the National Institutes of Health, a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.) 


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