Draft for Suicide Prevention Paper by Mariegold H. Bulquerin-Robles.
Suicide is the third leading cause of deaths among 10-19 year olds in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with males (81%) more common than females (19%). Foremost risk factor for suicide among youths is mental disorders, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, with depression as the most common of the mental disorders associated with suicide. Other risk factors include substance or alcohol abuse, exposure to suicide or history thereof, exposure to violence, impulsive behavior and life-changing stress. The stressors that most youths encounter that may overwhelm their ability to cope include disciplinary problems, interpersonal loss, family violence, sexual orientation confusion, physical and sexual abuse, and being the victim of bullying. Any combinations of these risk factors increase the likelihood of suicide among youths, and identification of these factors help chances to identify those at risk. Warning signs such as changes in behavior, social withdrawal, erratic sleeping and eating patterns, low self-esteem, poor hygiene and loss of interest in personal upkeep should be paid attention, and talking or writing about dying or killing one’s self, along with prior suicide attempts are the foremost warning sign that signals that one is contemplating suicide, and should not be ignored.
Primary prevention for suicide includes educating parents, educators, coaches and teens about identifying persons at risks for suicide and providing activities that will diminish the feelings or the stress that causes people to think about suicide. Activities that promote personal achievements and focus on strengths would be helpful along with opportunities to voice out or share feelings and fears. The CDC promotes connectedness as a strategy to prevent suicide and