The Desperation Point: Suicide of Teens and Young Adults
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students and the third-leading cause of death among youth overall (ages 15-24).
Every hour and forty-five minutes another young person commits suicide
Teen/youth suicide rates have tripled since 1970.
Basic Elements To Consider When Addressing A Suicidal Young Person:
1. One does not encourage a young person by talking about the issue. Don't fear addressing it.
2. Suicidal tendencies are not inherited. Some young people will fear that possibility.
3. If the suicidal student makes improvement, the suicide risk is decreased, but can still exist.
4. There is no such thing as "a lost cause" when someone is suicidal.
5. Never assume that talk of suicide is simply a manipulation for attention. What if you are wrong?
6. If the suicidal person is in counseling or therapy, don't assume they are safe from suicide.
7. Suicide never just comes "out of the blue." There are always personal reasons for the feelings.
8. Just because a person is suicidal doesn't mean suicide will always be an option.
9. Having previously failed an attempted suicide doesn't protect someone from another attempt.
Common Misconceptions
The following are common misconceptions about Suicide
"People who talk about suicide won't really do it."
Not True
Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you'll be sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out," -- no matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
"Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy."
Not True
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
"If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop him/her."
Not True
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.
"People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help."
Not True
Studies of suicide victims have shown that more then half had sought medical help within six month before their deaths.
"Talking about suicide may give someone the idea."
Not True
You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true --bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
The majority of individuals who commit suicide do not have a diagnosable mental illness.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people
appear bright until you hear them speak.
"When do you realize the race is over and it's time to take off your sneakers?"
"No one would choose to live without friends, even if he or she had everything else."
~Aristotle