Suicide

Description

Suicide can take many different forms, from an act of heroism to assisted suicide for the aging. Although it is typically considered a willful act many suicides are not planned. Sometimes it’s a rash decision coming from emotional pain or anger and sometimes it is carefully thought out. Suicidal gestures are often seen as a cry for help.

Characteristics

• suffering – emotional pain
• grief
• shame
• stress
• emotional instability
• drug use
• pessimism, hopelessness
• depression 

What is normal?

It is not uncommon for teenagers to have suicidal thoughts. In fact, it’s quite common. With all of the emotional, physical, and hormonal changes teenagers experience they often feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. Without the right support system they can easily isolate themselves and drift into suicidal thinking. Although suicide is an undesirable thought it is also a normal one. It is not normal, however, if the thought becomes an obsession along with a well thought out plan to commit suicide.

When you should seek help:

If your child is not able to cope with a situation, no matter how trivial it may be, it’s time to get help. Suicide is irreversible. Sometimes just being curious about pain relief can lead to irreversible consequences. If depression or any other condition persists it’s time to get help. Here are some warning signs:

• Apathy
• Withdrawal
• Feels desperate
• Hopelessness and pessimism
• depression that persists but suddenly remits for no apparent reason
• Talking about suicide or death
• Giving away possessions
• Self-destructive behavior such as reckless driving and substance abuse

More Information

kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/suicide.html