How do you feel about teenage suicide and what can be done to prevent it?

Answer 1

I'm sure that we've all known someone or heard of someone who has threatened to commit suicide. Regarding to what one of the other answers was about, people do have the notion that those who threaten to commit suicide is just a way to get attention. Guess what? Essentially, that is correct. The nature of depression is that someone feels isolated and needs some kind of support in some way. If they didn't, then I don't think they would be depressed.

For some people who are depressed, it is hard to let others know that they really do need support. It's as if they must validate their condition in some way. For illnesses with a physical basis, such as leukemia, the condition could be validated via white blood cell count. It's harder for mental conditions, being as yet, there is nothing that can easily assess the degree to which one is depressed, except for testimonies. This, to me, seems to be the reason people think suicide and suicide threats are egotistical things to do. "If they say they want to kill themselves, tell them to go ahead!" I've heard that more than a few times. Suicide/suicide attempts seems to be the ultimate validation of whether or not someone is truly depressed.

The one thing that really gets me about depression is that someone who is depressed can't be optimistic about their future despite their illness - why? Cause depression is defined by the exact pessimistic ideology that those who are ill are trying to stray away from. We've all heard of people who have cancer yet still possess an optimistic view about beating their disease and the oncoming future. Obviously, the same cannot be said for depression. There is no one saying, "I admire her continual optimism despite having to fight depression." Because of this, depression is somehow seen as less authentic compared to other illnesses like cancer. I'm not saying that being depressed is worse than having cancer. I'm merely stating the catch-22 involving mood disorders.

Mental health needs to receive the same attention that physical health does. Insurance policies need to include treatment for mental illnesses so that mental health is at the same level as "regular" health. The public needs to be educated about the truths and myths concerning those with mental illness. With this education, the stigma involving mental illness can be quelled, and methods for prevention can be executed from early ages of children. If these things occur, it would possible for people suffering to get the help they need at an early stage and for mental illnesses to not result in extremities such as suicide.

Answer 2

I think teenage suicide is really a terrible thing. I actually knew a girl who commited suicide about 4 months ago. I think it all starts at school. Stress and school I feel are very strong factors that lead up to teenage suicide. Some people handle it better than others. But I think that...if us as society actually want to get somewhere with stopping teenage suicide, there needs to be a program in school that kids can go to if they feel this way. But if kids are embarrased to go, like...if there was an announcement saying, "kids who wanna commit suicide meet in rm 312" I dont think anyone would want to go, because they would be looked at differently. So I think to solve that problem, it should be privately inforced by school councelors. Most of the time when you go to see your councelor, they are only interested in grades and school work. But I think they should also ask about how a teen is doing mentally. IDK....but something seriously has to be done about this. 1 kid every year at my high school commits suicide. Im really glad you posted this up here...maybe people will actually think about it now.

Answer 3

Any type of suicide is a bad thing!

Look, I'm a teenager...and I almost tried suicide twice...

They one thing I honestly was thinking, and what anyone is thinking when they do it is probably along the lines of "Now they'll be sorry" or something like that. There's also the whole 'there's no point" thing...the only way to prevent it is to help people who are obvisously depressed.

It helps to be cheered up...although I wouldn't know exactly how much...I'm lucky I was too scared that it would hurt....or I would've done it.

There is that too. You could try and scare someone out of doing it...but if they're really desperate...and brave...it would be best to cheer them up...or is you have to, call 911...

Answer 4

Teen suicide is an indicator that our family structures, our culture and our educational systems are failing the children they are in place to protect. For the most part, prior to taking their lives, these dead children exhibited behavior that did not fit their personal norms; they became depressed, withdrew from family, school or social activity, had major changes in appearance, deportment and/or attention span. Many took up alcohol, drugs or dietary excess in one direction or another as coping tools. Some were bullied, some were saddened by the world they perceived, some were chemically out of sync.
Those who teach must be vigilant in their daily environment and maintain an awareness of their students' seeming well-being. Parents should keep lines of communication and support with their children static-free. In those cases where familial guidance is lacking, an effort at communication with both child and parents may help avert a tragedy. It is everyone's job to look out for our children all the time; we do have a moral obligation to one another and especially to our kids.

Answer 5

I am aghast at the notion of any suicide. Parents should strive to help their teenage children maintain a sense of self worth.

Answer 6

Suicide can never be prevented; it can be definitely be reduced.

Answer 7

i think its the most gayest, attention getting thing ever and most people only do it for atention. so to prevent it talk to the person give them more attention and dont keep things that can cause sucide around the house.

Answer 8

It is common I havent tried to prevent it I was one of them who attempted.

Answer 9

Let then know that they only live once and they have there entire life ahead of them.