When a teen commits suicide, everyone is affected. Family members, friends, team-mates, neighbours, and sometimes even those who didn’t know the teen well might experience feelings of grief, confusion, guilt, and the sense that if only they had done something differently, the suicide could have been prevented. So it’s important to understand the forces that can lead teens to suicide and to know how to help.
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassed only by accidents and homicide. There are many behavioural indicators that can help parents or friends recognise the threat of suicide in a loved one. Since mental and substance-related disorders so frequently accompany suicidal behaviour, many of the cues to be looked for are symptoms associated with such disorders as depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use, disruptive behaviour disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia.
Some common symptoms of these disorders include: Extreme personality changes, Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, significant loss or gain in appetite Difficulty falling asleep or wanting to sleep all day, Fatigue or loss of energy. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, withdrawal from family and friends, neglect of personal appearance or hygiene, sadness, irritability, or indifference, having trouble concentrating, extreme anxiety or panic, drug or alcohol use or abuse, aggressive, destructive, or defiant behaviour, poor school performance, hallucinations or unusual beliefs.
SYED AMIN REHAN GILANI
Lahore