Dariana Martinez Professor Massey ENC1101 7 November 2013 Community Problem Report With each progressing year, an average

of 20 people kill themselves by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, (The Bridge). Shocking to say, but the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California is the sight of the greatest number of suicides in the world. More people have made the decision to end their lives at the Golden Gate Bridge than anywhere else on the planet (The Bridge). The majority of the average numbers of people ending their lives at the bridge are depressed adolescents who have made the decision to jump off. In fact, jumping off bridges is one of the popular, yet not predominant, methods for an adolescent to end their life. Predominant methods actually include self-use of weaponry and firearms, self-hanging and suffocation, and self-poisoning and intoxication (Brent, Bridge, and Goldstein, 375). These methods, though extremely lethal, demonstrate morbid ways to end a life, especially in a young person. Sexual orientation, especially in young males, has also proven to influence suicide rates (Joyner and Russell, 1276). Not to mention, suicide rates in the United States in teens have drastically augmented in past decades. It is the third leading cause of death in youth behind homicides and accidents (National Institutes of Health). Such statistics become especially alarming considering that the younger population in the country is quite large. For these reasons, it is crucial to recognize major causes and signs of teenage suicide, and thus, bring awareness to and maximize efforts to educate the public about such concern, in order to reduce such suicidal

Martinez 2 rates in the United States. With the implementation of prevention and intervention measures, the reduction of teenage suicide rates is possible. First of all, what exactly is suicide, and whats the difference between a suicide attempt and suicidal ideation? Suicide is simply defined as a person performing an intentional act that ultimately ends their life (Hill, 192). This act, as mentioned, must be intended on terminating ones life (Hill, 196). The difference between a suicide attempt and suicidal ideation is that suicidal ideation is the constant contemplation and preparation of suicide while an actual attempt, however, is an intentional behavior with a goal of perishing from such behavior that may or may not inflict self-injury (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This tragic issue has been rapidly growing in the United States amongst the youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), It results in approximately 4600 lives lost each year. With increasing pressures, adolescents feel confined and isolated, thus, leading to depression and negative emotions that instill suicidal thoughts. These thoughts eventually turn into actions and plans, and such actions and plans evolve into attempts that either fail or succeed. In a survey conducted by the CDC, the percentage of high school students, in 2009, in the United States who have admitted to pondering, preparing, or attempting suicide in the previous year was depicted (see fig. 1). Suicide is often caused by the inability and struggle of adolescents to cope with their internal and external conflicts, demonstrating mental instabilities and abnormalities, which have possibly, led to rising suicidal behavior. Depression, for one, caused mainly by external factors, such as dysfunction in ones own domicile, physical abuse, and the pressure to exceed excellence in school, impose internal conflicts in teens, and currently, is a leading cause for youth suicide (Mitchell, 21). Teens struggle to cope with such pressures and stressors; thus, becoming anxious

Martinez 3 and nervous. Without even knowing, these teens are ultimately depressed, and such a mental disorder may carry on for months, depending on the severity of the situation and the sensitivity of the teen undergoing the various changes and shifts in their life. As a result, it is necessary to detect signs of depression in order to prevent and intervene in future suicides. Common signs of depression include the constant thought of death, suicidal threats, extreme feelings of guilt, drastic shifts in personality and behavior, and bestows of personal belongings (Mitchell, 23-24). Individuals who exhibit such signs of depression are most likely contemplating about suicide. Early detection and diagnosis of depression may assist these suicidal individuals in treatment, and encourage positive attitudes and engagements. Parents, school counselors, teachers, and peers should offer support by being direct, straightforward, and serious, expressing concern, listening carefully without judging, and offering hope and other solutions (Sperekas, 29-30). Depression can also be treated through prescribed medications and counseling. Taking these measures into consideration may instill confidence and positivity in the suicidal teen, gradually relieving their depression and suicidal thoughts. Another external conflict that has influenced the escalation of suicide rates in teens in the United States is the current issue of bullying in schools. Shannon Maughan quotes James Lecesne, the author, actor, activist, and founder of the Trevor Project, in her magazine article, A Call to Action: Bullying and Books. According to Lecesne, In September 2009 there were nine very highly publicized teen suicides. Thats not unusual for a month. But what was unusual is they were all attributed to bullying, (22). Lecesne explains that the growth of bullying, especially in schools and via online social networking sites, has been driving teenagers to the point where they cannot take such pressures anymore. Intentional affliction of injury or discomfort through verbal contact, group exclusion, or gestures all contribute to bullying (Dake,

Martinez 4 Price, Telljohann, 173). These factors cause much pain considering that a young persons greatest desire is to have a friend or companion, not an enemy or group of enemies. Eventually, victims of bullying feel like outcasts isolated from the rest of the world. Lack of sufficient support and consolation causes the emergence of even greater boundaries and feelings of loneliness. As a result, these teenagers view suicide, as welcome escapes that will terminate what they believe are their endless stresses and pressures. It is extremely important to recognize these victims of bullying and discourage their ideology of suicide. Exposure to anti-bullying media may hinder bullying overall, especially in children. Publishers and authors demonstrate involvement in bullying prevention by encouraging children to play peacefully with their peers and make them feel welcome in specialized books channeled towards the issue (Maughan, 23). Not only do these prevention methods hinder bullying, but also suicide in adolescents considering that they are the most vulnerable to such an issue. In addition, substance abuse in teens is a major cause of suicide both internally and externally. According to Sperekas, over 50 percent of teens who killed themselves had a substance abuse problem, (19). Teens who are having depression problems or dominating negative emotions submit themselves to drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating (Sperekas, 19). Convinced that such substances will produce positive feelings and rid their depression, these teens make a habit of doing drugs. Unfortunately, these teens are not aware that most drugs and alcohol are depressants, meaning that they might feel better for a while, but after the effects of the substance have worn off, they are left feeling worse than how they began. Of course, substance abuse for such reasons revolves around internal conflicts. However, substance abuse, due to external conflicts, has different motives. Adolescents who render themselves to drugs and alcohol often only do it to fit in and get popularity or to rebel against their parents

Martinez 5 (Sperekas, 19-20). The desire and pressure to be somebody throughout high school influence adolescents to do drugs. Not to mention, adolescents who are angry with their parents for punishment or ban from going out with friends also plays a role in drug abuse. Eventually, after the effects of the drugs have worn off, the result remains constant, the adolescent feeling depressed. It is extremely important for teenagers to be educated towards such substances and their effects. Suicidality in submissive individuals increases, considering that they are influenced to do impulsive acts and engage in dangerous behavior (Sperekas, 20). Parents and others should be aware of the teenagers behavior, and aid them in treatment. There are different programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) whose primary goal is educate substance abusers and rid them from their abuse of substances (Sperekas, 20). Involvement in such measures helps intervene in suicidal acts and prevent future ones as well. Teenagers with drug problems are at risk, and must receive immediate attention in order inhibit any possible suicide and lethal intoxication. Furthermore, in order to adhere to suicide prevention amongst the younger population, communities have implemented prevention, suicide-education, support, and counseling programs in school. Prevention programs, along with suicide-education programs, provide special classes, conducted by trained professionals and peer counselors, to educate teens about suicide, risk factors, causes, and myths (Sperekas, 45). Counseling programs and support groups target those individuals at risk or with previous suicidal records by having experienced students gently reach out to these individuals and have them relate and share experiences, incidents, and ordeals with each other in order to achieve an effective Socratic circle. Other programs, like school screening programs, require students to voluntarily take a questionnaire that aids in the identification of suicidal individuals; such programs, however, have shown to be minimally effective considering

Martinez 6 that suicidality is inconsistent and a questionnaire is voluntary rather than mandatory (Sperekas, 45-46). Withal, since most teens attend school, such programs are easily accessed and provide comforting support from school instructors and educators whose primary goal is to promote living a healthy life and dismiss suicide as an escape. On the contrary, according to Achilles, Gray, and Moskos, Unfortunately, these prevention methods have not had a significant impact in lowering teen suicide rates, (177). Since school prevention programs are not usually rigorously evaluated, no evidence has exactly shown decreases in suicide rates. As a result, the authors expand further on the myth and provide recommendations explaining that suicidologists should target direct causes of youth suicide specific to the person and the situation, rather than generalizing them and implicating treatments to attempters and those at risk (Achilles, Gray, and Moskos, 177). Basically, community efforts, though substantial and educative, have evoked mixed results and minimal to no decline in suicide rates, and have shown to categorize suicidal teens and their circumstances together when it is possibly more effective to address and help these teens specifically to them and their condition. Moreover, as scientific breakthroughs and discoveries reach the scientific community and technology continues to advance and progress, suicide in youth becomes more and more alarming. Youth suicide continues to be a significant public health problem at a national level, and clearly is a crisis in need of attention, (Mazza, 156). Youth suicide rates in the United States have risen drastically in the past decades. Statistics from the National Institutes of Mental Health demonstrate that as of 2007, suicide amongst the younger population is the third leading cause of death behind homicides and accidents (National Institutes of Health). Perhaps different measures and approaches should be considered in order to diminish such rates. Due to the fact that in-

Martinez 7 school programs have displayed minimal effectiveness, focuses should shift from such programs to possibly individual counselors who specialize in certain cases of suicide in youth. Additionally, if signs or suicidal risk factors are detected, one can implement the measures mentioned previously in order to prevent and intervene in suicide. Treating these adolescents specifically might boost their self-esteem and reduce hopelessness and depression. Increasing feelings of self-worth and confidence would most probably inspire suicidal teens to view each day as a new challenge waiting to be completed rather than a new dread on the complications of life, and then desire their removal from this planet. In conclusion, it is crucial that family members, peers, co-workers, and community professionals continue to aid those suicidal teens at risk (Eckert and Miller, 163). Diminishing the rates cannot be done alone; rather large groups of people all around the country may influence these suicidal individuals and play a vital role in the process of prevention and intervention. Suicide in youth is a worrying issue challenging adolescents in the United States, and with increasing efforts; declines in rates can be evident.

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Fig. 1. Percentage of U.S. High School Students Admitting to Suicide Ideation and Attempts in the Past Year, by Gender

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Suicide Statistics at a Glance; Percentage of U.S. High School Students Reporting Considering, Planning, or Attempting Suicide in the Past 12 Months, by Sex, United States, 2009; 2 Apr. 2013; Web; 13 Nov. 2013; fig. 1. a. Note: The chart above depicts a survey conducted by the CDC demonstrating the percentage of high school students, by gender, in 2009, in the United States who have admitted to pondering, preparing, or attempting suicide in the previous year. Based on the chart, suicidal ideations and attempts are more evident in high school female students than in high male students.

Martinez 9 Works Cited Achilles, Jennifer, Gray, Doug, and Moskos, Michelle A. Adolescent Suicide Myths in the United States. Crisis 25.4 (2004): 176-182. PsycARTICLES. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. Brent, David A., Bridge, Jeffrey A., and Goldstein, Tina R. Adolescent Suicide and Suicidal Behavior. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2006): 372-394. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Injury and Violence Prevention and Control. U.S.A. Government, 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 13 Nov. 2013 Dake, Joseph A., Price, James H., and Telljohann, Susan K. The Nature and Extent of Bullying at School. Journal of School Health 73.5 (2003): 173-180. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Eckert, Tanya L. and Miller, David N. Youth Suicidal Behavior: An Introduction and Overview. School Pychology Review 38.2 (2009): 153-167. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. Hill, Daniel J. What Is It To Commit Suicide?. Ratio 24.2 (2011): 192-205. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. Joyner, Kara and Russell, Steven T. Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Suicide Risk: Evidence From a National Study. American Journal of Public Health 91. 8 (2001): 1276-1281. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. Maughan, Shannon. A Call To Action: Bullying and Books. Publishers Weekly 259.43 22 Oct. 2012: 22-27. Print. Mazza, James J. "Youth Suicidal Behavior: A Crisis in Need of Attention. "Adolescent Mental Health (2006): 156-177. Web. 14 Nov. 2013 Mitchell, Hayley R. Teen Suicide: Teen Issues. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc., 2000. Print.

Martinez 10 National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013 Sperekas, Nicole B. Suicide Wise: Taking Steps Against Teen Suicide. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2000. Print. The Bridge. Dir. Eric Steel. IFC Films, 2006. TV. Koch Lorber Films, 2007. DVD.