Suicide. Causes of teen suicide and signs of impending danger?

Suicide is a difficult topic to talk about in our society. Especially when it comes to child or adolescent suicide.

However, this silence does not make the problem disappear, but on the contrary, it only worsens. Proof of this is the disappointing statistics of suicides among children and adolescents in our country in 2013. You don't talk about it, but most likely you, like other parents, are seriously concerned: what to do if your child makes a suicide attempt?

How can such a development be avoided? Are there any behavioral signals that could be recognized and prevent trouble?

There are a number of myths in society regarding adolescent and childhood suicide, and these myths are often a barrier to preventing a suicide attempt.

Myth 1 - Suicide is always the result of a mental disorder

Suicidal tendency is an inborn, gene-determined character trait. This is partly true, as suicidal tendencies are often accompanying symptoms of a number of hereditary mental illnesses.

But whether or not these inclinations will manifest themselves depends not on genotype, but on environment.

In a favorable environment, in an atmosphere of love and trust in the family, this tendency may never manifest itself.

Myth 2 - People who talk about suicide will never do it

There is no way to help a suicidal person. Examples refuting it are in the asset of every professional psychologist-suicidologist. But even if you are not a psychologist, you can help.

Myth 3 - Talking about suicide encourages suicide

Allegedly, talking about suicide contributes to suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. Practice shows the opposite: a frank, confidential conversation on this topic helps teenagers to understand their problems and make a more appropriate decision.

Myth 4 - Suicidal people always finish what they start.

Where there is a first attempt, there will be a second and a third - until the suicidal person gets his way. In reality. appropriate psychological care and suicide prevention often succeed in getting a person's life back on track, and the experience of attempted suicide is seen as a bad dream.

Myth 5 - Teens only commit suicide for "stupid" reasons

If a teenager or young adult regularly threatens others with suicide attempts, he will not dare to carry out his threats, because his behavior is aimed at manipulating others. Do not dismiss such threats - they indicate serious internal problems. And these problems, in turn, can lead from demonstration to a real threat of suicide.

The environment in which children and adolescents live plays a very important role in the emergence of suicidal tendencies.

Any psychological trauma, physical defects, problems in the family, in relations with peers can provoke a suicide attempt. But the main role in the formation of a propensity to suicide play a relationship in the family. Tension, frequent scandals, or vice versa, coldness and alienation, as well as violence in the family are risk factors. The risk factor is also divorce of parents, incomplete family, bad habits and tendencies of one of the parents (alcoholism, drug addiction) suicide attempts of some of the relatives (especially close).

How do you deal with the threat of child suicide?

The answer is both simple and complex. The family plays a key role in shaping the mental makeup of a person, and it is important to understand this responsibly. With a warm, trusting relationship between parents and children, you have the opportunity to recognize and help your child's problem at an early stage.

Teen suicide is an equally complex phenomenon. It is the parents of teens who fear the threat of suicide more than anyone else. Why?

Adolescence is a crisis stage during which the child is very dependent on others, especially peers.

His self-esteem is undergoing difficult tests. The reason for a suicide attempt may be unhappy love, rejection or conflicts in the company of peers, feeling different. At the same age, the child for the first time learns "adult" pleasures, such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, the first sexual experience. How can a parent recognize the threat?

One of the myths associated with teen suicide is that before a suicide attempt, a person does not show any warning signs. In fact, upon close examination, these signals are almost always detected, it is just that those around them did not have the time, attention or simply the desire to notice them.

What can signal an impending suicide attempt?

And should you run to a psychologist at the first word about suicide thrown in an emotional heat? You should, but if you notice the following signs in your loved one or child

• loss of interest in previously favorite things and activities
• general apathy or, conversely, agitation
• eagerness to get things done
• loss of appetite, sleep, apathy or signs of depression
• Increased talk about death and suicide in particular
• Deviance (deviant behavior), such as skipping school activities
• sudden withdrawal, reluctance to socialize with peers

Any of these signals are worth a trip with your child to a counselor.

Suicide among children and adolescents is scary. However, this phenomenon can be at least reduced, if not eliminated. The main thing is not to stay on the sidelines.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main causes of teen suicide?
   The main causes include family conflicts, peer pressure, worries about unhappy love, and psychological trauma and lack of support from loved ones.
2. What are the signs of an impending suicide threat in a teenager?
   Signs may include dramatic changes in behavior, isolation, talking about the meaninglessness of life, decreased interest in previously favorite activities, and deterioration in academic performance.
3. Can talking about suicide provoke a teenager to commit suicide?
   On the contrary, an open and supportive conversation can help a teen express his or her feelings and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior.
4. How can parents prevent a child from suicide?
   It is important to establish trusting relationships, be attentive to the emotional state of the child, respond to alarm signals in a timely manner and seek professional help if necessary.
5. Where do I go for help if I suspect suicidal ideation in a teenager?
   Free online psychological support centers are available in every country, such as the Mental Help platform and other services where you can get advice from specialists.