Teen Suicide is Increasing

The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is grim: There has been a substantial increase in the suicide rate for children over the past four years, including a 76% jump for girls aged 10 to 14 (roughly, one in 100,000). The preferred method, according to the report, is hanging.

The question is: Why is there such an increase? Some health agencies suggest the proliferation of anti-depressants among young people (these are known to increase the risk of suicidal behavior), while psychiatrists see family or social dysfunction as a cause. However, physicians say it's due to increased pressure to lose weight and become more attractive.

Whatever the reasons, the simple fact of such a tremendous increase should be alarming to all parents, no matter the gender of their children. Suicide is the tragic and ultimate result of uncontrolled and intense negative emotion.

Those two facts being stated, what steps can we as parents, guardians or teachers take to reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts stalking our children?

First, they have to see that we are stable in our own personal lives. If they hear constant arguing, threats, screaming or other verbal abuse, they're more likely to feel hopeless and unimportant. If they see a lack of healthy, positive activity, they're apt to see life as boring and uninteresting. If they observe drug or alcohol abuse, they'll either grow to distrust us or accept the chemicals as an escape from their problems; chemicals that, in fact, can accelerate depression and angst and cause a more impulsive response -- including suicide.

Secondly, we have to realize that our children need someone with whom they can openly, honestly and safely communicate. They have to know they can trust us with their problems, and we need to be impartial and listen for as long as that child needs to talk. Since many suicides occur because the victims feel as though no one understands their plight, being genuinely interested and non-judgmental is essential. We have to be able to see things through a child's eyes and, when necessary, offer uplifting advice tailored to that child's thought pattern.