Sarah Chamorro Valerie Hernandez Candace McCormick

Adolescence  The teen years are a difficult time in a person’s life. There are many developmental changes…

 “ In the past year, 14.5 percent of adolescents in grades nine to twelve have seriously considered suicide” re_services/mental_health/

Suicide by:Males (%)Females (%) Firearms5630 Suffocation2421 Poisoning

TeenScreen Program  Columbia University has developed and tested three different screens available to identify at-risk teens

Myths Surrounding Teen Suicide Myth or Fact?  Only a professional would be able to identify a child at risk for suicide. Myth.  Parents, caregivers, and involved school personnel may be the first to notice changes in a child at risk for suicide. Fact. Horowitz, K. (2009). Dispelling the myths surrounding teen suicide. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 25(11), Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Myths Surrounding Teen Suicide  If an adolescent has made a suicide attempt in the past, they are not likely to try again in a more lethal manner. They are just trying to get attention. Myth.  While suicide prevention is still far from perfect, there have been a few agreed upon effective interventions. Fact. Horowitz, K. (2009). Dispelling the myths surrounding teen suicide. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 25(11), Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Reasons/Causes of Teen Suicide There are many reasons why individuals commit suicide or engage in suicidal behavior. Not all reasons are simple and many are complex. Risk factor types: Social, familial, biological, psychological, and environmental Walsh, E., & Eggert, L. L. (2007). Suicide risk and protective factors among youth experiencing school difficulties. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 16(5), doi: /j x

Reasons/Causes of Teen Suicide -Examples of each would be  Bullying and Social isolation  Sense of alienation and lack of social support  Family history of suicide  Impulsive and aggressive behavior  Feelings of failure or increased performance  New and unfamiliar environment  The strongest risk factor for complete suicide is the presence of a firearm in the home. Especially if the firearm is loaded and is not safely locked away in a place out of reach of the teenager. Walsh, E., & Eggert, L. L. (2007). Suicide risk and protective factors among youth experiencing school difficulties. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 16(5), doi: /j x

The Warning Signs Many warning signs of suicidal feelings can also be symptoms of depression. The following observation can be helpful to parents or care givers to teens to identify the warning signs.  Loss of interest in usual activities  Withdrawal from friends and family members  Preoccupation with death and dying  Increased physical complaints frequently associated with emotional distress such as stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue  Loss of interest in school or schoolwork mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Any teen or adolescent who expresses thoughts of suicide should be evaluated. Threats of suicide made by any teen communicate desperation and a cry for help. All they want is for someone to show that they care for them and to talk to. Always take statements of suicidal feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and plans very seriously. mental_health_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Warning Signs  Most people who feel suicidal give definite warning signs that they plan to die by suicide, but those close to them are often unaware of the significance of these signals or are unsure of what to do about them.

Warning Signs  Observable signs of serious depression: Unrelenting low mood Pessimism Hopelessness Desperation Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension Withdrawal Sleep problems  Increased alcohol and/or other drug use  Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks  Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die  Making a plan: Giving away prized possessions Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications  Unexpected rage or anger

Prevention  Suicide can be prevented.  According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), it is important to learn the warning signs of teenage suicide in order to prevent an attempt. Maintaining open communication with your teenager and their friends provides an opportunity for helping as needed. If a teen is talking about suicide, he or she must receive an immediate evaluation. th_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Prevention Steps parents can take:  Keep medications and firearms away from children.  Get your child help (medical or mental health professional).  Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected).  Become informed (library, local support group, Internet) th_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Prevention Steps teens can take:  Take your friend's behavior and discussion of suicide seriously.  Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary.  Talk to an adult you trust. Don't be alone in helping your friend. th_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

National Suicide Prevention Organizations  American Association of Suicidology (AAS) A nonprofit organization dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide. American Association of Suicidology  The Jason Foundation An organization dedicated to teen suicide awareness and prevention. The Jason Foundation  The Jed Foundation A nonprofit public charity committed to reducing the young adult suicide rate and improving mental health support provided to college students nationwide. The Jed Foundation 97fe e6d265047c407a8

Treatment Specific treatment for suicidal feelings and behaviors will be determined by your teen's physician based on:  your teen's age, overall health, and medical history  extent of your teen's symptoms  seriousness of the attempt  your teen's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies  expectations regarding future suicide risk  your opinion or preference th_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx

Treatment  Any adolescent who has attempted suicide requires an initial physical evaluation and treatment until he/she is physically stable.  Mental health treatment for suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behaviors begins with detailed evaluation of events in the adolescent's life during the two to three days preceding the suicidal behaviors.  A comprehensive evaluation of the adolescent and family contributes to decisions regarding treatment needs.  Treatment recommendations may include individual therapy for the adolescent, family therapy, and, when necessary, hospitalization to provide the adolescent a supervised and safe environment.  Parents play a vital supportive role in any treatment process. th_about/children/suicide/Pages/index.aspx