Signs Of Suicide Among Adolescents

Statistics reveal that annually 7,000 adolescents died because of suicide, 1,000,000 contemplating about it, and 400,000 committed it.

Because of the vastness of this problem, we need to know the signs and indications of suicide. Open discussions about this topic are now the concern of many.

Friends, parents and relatives must be aware of the situations surrounding suicide. If you notice some signs of suicide, you must immediately act to help this adolescent by talking to him or her about his or her suicidal attempts.

Many think that confronting a suicidal teenager about his or her action may only lead him or her to suicide, but this is not the case. What they need now is to know that they have someone who can listen to their problems and cares about them.

Here are some common suicidal behaviors among teenagers that will serve as a guide to alert friends, parents and relatives.

-          Remarkable disregard of personal appearance

-          Drug or alcohol abuse

-          Trouble in concentrating in responsibilities or personal tasks

-          Continues boredom

-          Decline in the quality of schoolwork

-          A great change in eating and sleeping habits

-          Isolation from friends, family; group activities

-          Violent or rebellious behavior

-          Drastic personality change

-          Running away

-          Verbal sings such as, “I wont be a problem to you anymore”

-          Giving out of personal or favorite possessions

If you believe that the adolescent is contemplating suicide, you should help him or

her personally if he or she trusts you. You can also guide him or her to seek professional help from child psychiatrists.