NCJ Number
51827
Journal
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN Dated: (FALL 1978) Pages: 2-10
Date Published
1978
Length
9 pages
Annotation
THE INCIDENCE OF SUICIDE AMONG ADOLESCENTS, WARNING SIGNS, AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES ARE CONSIDERED.
Abstract
SUICIDE RATES AMONG PERSONS IN THE 10-19 AGE GROUP HAVE TRIPLED SINCE THE 1950'S. THE NEED FOR HEIGHTENED AWARENESS AND INCREASED EFFORTS IN SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AT THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS. THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF TEACHERS, PARENTS, PEERS, THE CLERGY, AND CONCERNED PROFESSIONS IN SUCH EFFORTS IS REQUIRED. YOUNG FEMALES HAVE HIGHER SUICIDE ATTEMPT RATE; HOWEVER, YOUNG MALES HAVE A HIGHER RATE OF COMPLETED SUICIDES. THE PROFILE OF A TYPICAL MALE SUICIDE VICTIM IS CHARACTERIZED BY AN INADEQUATE OR BROKEN FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIP, WHILE THAT OF THE YOUNG FEMALE IS CHARACTERIZED BY A NARCISSISTIC AND DEMANDING MOTHER COUPLED WITH AN INEFFECTUAL FATHER. FEELINGS OF SELF-PERCEIVED INEPTITUDE, HELPLESSNESS AND HOPLESSNESS ARE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS, INDICATED BY ANXIETY, SLEEPLESSNESS, REJECTION, AND FRUSTRATION. HEAVY SMOKING AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE ARE ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH ADOLESCENT SUICIDE. FEELINGS OF PERSONAL WORTH AND ACHIEVEMENT ARE OFTEN UNDERMINED BY PRESSURES ARISING FROM THE ADOLESCENT'S SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITION, HOME, AND PEERS. CLUES TO THE POTENTIAL SUICIDE VICTIM MAY BE DIRECT OR INDIRECT VERBAL, BEHAVIORAL, OR SITUATIONAL. A HISTORY OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MAY BE PRESENT. THE FOLLOWING PREVENTIVE STEPS FOR DEALING WITH THE SUICIDAL ADOLESCENT ARE SUGGESTED: (1) LISTEN; (2) EVALUATE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE YOUNGSTER'S THOUGHTS; (3) EVALUATE THE INTENSITY OR SEVERITY OF THE EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE; (4) TAKE EVERY COMPLAINT AND FEELING EXPRESSED SERIOUSLY; (5) DO NOT AVOID ASKING DIRECTLY IF THE INDIVIDUAL HAS THOUGHT OF SUICIDE; (6) DO NOT BE MISLED BY THE YOUNGSTER'S COMMENTS THAT THE EMOTIONAL CRISIS IS OVER; (7) BE AFFIRMATIVE BUT SUPPORTIVE; (8) EVALUATE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE; (9) ACT SPECIFICALLY AND TANGIBLY; AND (10) FEEL FREE TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION. A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED. (MPK)