Center For Recovery and Education, Inc.
EARLY Warning SIGNALS OF TEENAGE SUICIDE
Each year, an estimated 400,000 young people attempt to kill themselves; about 6,000 succeed. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents after accidents and homicide. The problem affects both sexes, and all races, nationalities and income levels.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
Mental health professionals have isolated certain behaviors that may indicate suicidal tendencies. Here are the most common:
- Radical personality changes such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Withdrawal from family, friends and regular activities.
- Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits or energy level; neglectful of personal appearance or grooming habits.
- Falling grades or a decline in the quality of schoolwork.
- Difficulty in concentrating.
- Violent or rebellious behavior.
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
- Physical symptoms often related to emotional disturbances, such as headache, stomachache, or fatigue.
- Thoughts expressed of despair, death or suicide.
- Suicide attempt, even those that are meant to fail.
A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also:
- Give verbal hints, statements such as "I won't be a problem for you much longer" or "Nothing matters anyway."
- Put affairs in order, like giving away favorite possessions, throwing things out, cleaning ap his or her room.
- Suddenly becomes cheerful after prolonged depression--the final decision has been made, which is in itself a form of relief.
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