REPORT ON TEENAGE SUCIDE

SUBMITTED TO:- SUBMITTED BY:-

MR. JASPAL SINGH IQBAL SINGH (DIP/111103)
(H&D DEPARTMENT) SACHIN DHANOTRA (DIP/110002)
AMAN TIWARI (DIP/110006)


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

At our set we sincerely acknowledge with gratitude, the guidance and support
rendered to us by different people without which this project would not have
materialized.
Moving in this direction we are thankful to Mr. JASPAL SINGH (H & D Department)
Project Co-ordinator, Diploma/11, SLIET, Longowal. With great sense of gratitude we are
most grateful and thankful for his valuable help and guidance.
Lastly we owe a considerable debt to all the persons who helped us directly or indirectly for
completion of our project.

IQBAL SINGH (DIP/111103)
SACHIN DHANOTRA (DIP/110002)
AMAN TIWARI (DIP/110006)

CONTENTS
1. Teenage Suicide
2. Some Basic Facts
3. Some Common Symptoms of These Disorders Include
4. Why Do Teens Try To Kill Themselves?
5. Substance Abuse
6. Warning Signs
7. Why Does It Happen?
8. Reasons for Teen Suicide
9. Statistics on Teen Suicide
10. Tips on Teen Suicide
11. Warning Signs On Teen Suicide
12. Solutions for Teen Suicide
13. Warning Signs of Suicidal Feelings, Thoughts, or Behavior
14. Factors That Increase the Risk of Suicide among Teens Include
15. Impact of Suicide
16. Prevention of Suicide






TEENAGE SUICIDE

Most everyone at some time in his or her life will experience periods of anxiety, sadness,
and despair. These are normal reactions to the pain of loss, rejection, or disappointment.
Those with serious mental illnesses, however, often experience much more extreme
reactions, reactions that can leave them mired in hopelessness. And when all hope is lost,
some feel that suicide is the only solution.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, scientific evidence has shown that
almost all people who take their own lives have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse
disorder, and the majorities have more than one disorder. In other words, the feelings that
often lead to suicide are highly treatable. Thats why it is imperative that we better
understand the symptoms of the disorders and the behaviors that often accompany thoughts
of suicide. With more knowledge, we can often prevent the devastation of losing a loved

About Teen Suicide:-
The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide
is relatively rare among children, the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases
tremendously during adolescence. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-
year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassed
only by accidents and homicide.
The risk of suicide increases dramatically when kids and teens have access to
firearms at home, and nearly 60% of all suicides in the United States are committed with a
gun. That's why any gun in your home should be unloaded, locked, and kept out of the
reach of children and teens. Ammunition should be stored and locked apart from the gun,
and the keys for both should be kept in a different area from where you store your
household keys. Always keep the keys to any firearms out of the reach of children and
adolescents.
Suicide rates differ
between boys and girls. Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys,
and tend to attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves. Yet boys die by
suicide about four times as often girls, perhaps because they tend to use more lethal
methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights.



SOME BASIC FACTS

In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide than from cancer, heart
disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease
combined.
In 1996, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among college students, the
third-leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24 years, and the fourth- leading
cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 years.
From 1980 to 1996, the rate of suicide among African-American males aged 15 to 19
years increased by 105 percent)

SUICIDE "SIGNS"

There are many behavioral indicators that can help parents or friends recognize the threat of
suicide in a loved one. Since mental and substance-related disorders so frequently
accompany suicidal behavior, 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 behavior disorders,
borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia.











SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THESE DISORDERS INCLUDES

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 behavior
Poor school performance
Hallucinations or unusual beliefs













WHY DO TEENS TRY TO KILL THEMSELVES?
Most teens interviewed after making a suicide attempt say that they did it because they
were trying to escape from a situation that seemed impossible to deal with or to get relief
from really bad thoughts or feelings. Like Ethan, they didn't want to die as much as they
wanted to escape from what was going on. And at that particular moment dying seemed
like the only way out.
Some people who end their lives or attempt suicide might be trying to escape feelings of
rejection, hurt, or loss. Others might be angry, ashamed, or guilty about something. Some
people may be worried about disappointing friends or family members. And some may feel
unwanted, unloved, victimized, or like they're a burden to others.
Depression:-
Depression leads people to focus mostly on failures and disappointments, to emphasize the
negative side of their situations, and to downplay their own capabilities or worth. Someone
with severe depression is unable to see the possibility of a good outcome and may believe
they will never be happy or things will never go right for them again.
Depression affects a person's thoughts in such a way that the person doesn't see when a
problem can be overcome. It's as if the depression puts a filter on the person's thinking that
distorts things. That's why depressed people don't realize that suicide is a permanent
solution to a temporary problem in the same way that other people do. A teen with
depression may feel like there's no other way out of problems, no other escape from
emotional pain, or no other way to communicate their desperate unhappiness.









SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Teens with alcohol and drug problems are also more at risk for suicidal thinking and
behaviour. Alcohol and some drugs have depressive effects on the brain. Misuse of these
substances can bring on serious depression. That's especially true for some teens that
already have a tendency to depression because of their biology, family history, or other life
stressors.
The problem can be made worse because many people who are depressed turn to alcohol or
drugs as an escape. But they may not realize that the depressive effects alcohol and drugs
have on the brain can actually intensify depression in the long run..
This doesn't mean that everyone who is depressed or who has an alcohol or drug problem
will try to kill themselves, of course. But these conditions especially both together
increase a person's risk for suicide.

Suicide Is Not Always Planned
Sometimes a depressed person plans a suicide in advance. Many times, though, suicide
attempts happen impulsively, in a moment of feeling desperately upset. A situation like a
breakup, a big fight with a parent, an unintended pregnancy, being outer by someone else,
or being victimized in any way can cause someone to feel desperately upset.
Some people who attempt suicide mean to die and some aren't completely sure they want to
die. For some, a suicide attempt is a way to express deep emotional pain. They can't say
how they feel, so, for them, attempting suicide feels like the only way to get their message
across. Sadly, many people who really didn't mean to kill themselves end up dead or
critically ill.








WARNING SIGNS
There are often signs that someone may be thinking about or planning a suicide attempt.
Here are some of them:
o talking about suicide or death in general
o talking about "going away"
o referring to things they "won't be needing," and giving away possessions
o talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
o pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out
o having no desire to take part in favourite things or activities
o having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
o experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits
o engaging in self-destructive behaviour (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for
example)

Coping With Problems
Being a teen is not easy. There are many new social, academic, and personal pressures. And
for teens that have additional problems to deal with, such as living in violent or abusive
environments, life can feel even more difficult.
Some teens worry about sexuality and relationships, wondering if their feelings and
attractions are normal, or if they will be loved and accepted. Others struggle with body
image and eating problems; trying to reach an impossible ideal leaves them feeling bad
about themselves. Some teens have learning problems or attention problems that make it
hard for them to succeed in school. They may feel disappointed in themselves or feel they
are a disappointment to others.
These problems can be difficult and draining and can lead to depression if they go on
too long without relief or support. We all struggle with painful problems and events at
times. How do people get through it without becoming depressed? Part of it is staying
connected to family, friends, school, faith, and other support networks. People are better
able to deal with tough circumstances when they have at least one person who believes in
them, wants the best for them, and in whom they can confide.




WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical
changes they are experiencing. When teens' moods disrupt their ability to function on a
day-to day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention
- adolescent depression. Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be
based on long standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may
view a temporary situation as a
permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt
can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts. So it is not the car denied or the exam failed
that leads to their self destructive act, rather it is months of pent up emotions which is
triggered by any one incident. It is also found that many teens who commit suicide have a
low self -esteem about themselves. And don't be fooled. The one's with a poor self-esteem
aren't the introverts who hardly open their mouth. It is as likely to be the chirpy vivacious
teenager who is the heart and soul of any gathering.

How can I help?
Offer help and listen. Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen,
don't lecture. It is a proven fact that by proper listening and encouragement even
teens who have the pills in their hand can be motivated toliveagain.

Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help.
Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life. A life is more important than
a confidence and the person concerned will thank you for it later. It is a distressing
factor that most teens regret taking theirlife.

Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don't be afraid
Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health
professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the
teen's life - family, friends and teacher.






REASONS FOR TEEN SUICIDE:-
From a family point of view, the lack of parental interest may be another problem. In two
income families, parents and kids spend limited time together. Moreover, many children
grow up in divorced households. The formation of a new family with step-parents and
step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can lead to
insecurity. Other teens are faced with family alcoholism, domestic violence and even
sexual abuse.
Other external factors include, the pressures of modern life; competition for good grades
and college admission. Increasing violence in the newspapers and on television lead to
more teenage suicides. It's also easier to get the tools for suicide nowadays.
And when the teen-agers are looking for answers to their problems, they found no one to
talk to, making them feel quite lonely.

Statistics on Teen Suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds.
Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all persons regardless of age, sex or
race;
Every hour and forty-five minutes another young person commits suicide.
More than 13 of every 100,000 people aged 15 to 24 committed suicides in 1990.
Experts estimate that each year nearly 5,000 teenagers commit suicide.
Suicide among white males rose 50 percent between 1970 and 1978. The incidence
for white females increased 12 percent. Recent studies show suicide among young
blacks is also a major problem.
The ratio of male to female suicides is four to one. However, young women attempt
suicide four times more frequently.
Suicide appears to trigger several other suicides within a group such as a school or
community.
It is estimated that 300 to 400 teen suicides occur per year in Los Angeles County
alone; equivalent to one teenager lost every day.
Between 26% and 33% of adolescent suicide victims have made a previous suicide
attempt.
For every suicide, they are 50 to 100 attempts at suicide.
Having a firearm in the home greatly increases the risk of youth suicide. Sixty-four
percent of suicide victims 10-24 years old use a firearm to complete the act.
Abuse and Mental Health Administration) shows that thirteen percent of people who
commit suicide did so because they were abusing alcohol at the time. .
90 percent of suicidal teen-agers believed their families did not understand them.
TIPS ON TEEN SUICIDE

Always take the statements like "I want to kill myself, or I'm going to commit suicide"
seriously.
Ask the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide. Such
a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the
chance to talk about problems.
Young people who try to tell their parents about their feelings of unhappiness or failure,
are often ignored or denied by their mother and father.
If the teen-ager is depressed, one should look closely for signs that he or she might be
thinking of suicide. See warning sign section.
If the teen-ager is suspected of thinking about suicide, do not remain silent. Suicide is
preventable, but one must act quickly.
Reassure the teen-ager that he or she is loved. Remind the teen that no matter how awful
the problems seem, they can be worked out, and you are willing to help.
Ask the teen-ager to talk about his or her feelings. Listen carefully. Do not dismiss the
problems or get angry.
Remove all lethal weapons from the home, including guns, pills, kitchen utensils and
ropes.











Warning Signs on Teen Suicide
A change in eating habits, gain weight or loss of appetite.
A change in sleeping habits, sleeping much more or have insomnia
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent actions, rebellious behaviour, or running away
Drug and alcohol use
Teenage pregnancy
Unusual neglect of personal appearance
Fail to live up to his own or someone else's standards (when it comes to school
grades, for example)?
Dramatic personality change
Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, restless or a decline in the quality of
schoolwork
Feel hopeless or guilty, and that life is not worth living
Sudden mood or behaviour changes: too quiet or too hyperactive
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as
stomach-aches, head-aches, fatigue, etc.
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Not tolerating praise or rewards
Complain of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside
Give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much
longer", "Nothing matters", "It's no use", "I won't see you again", and "I'd be better
off dead".
Have trouble with a girlfriend (or a boyfriend)? Or have trouble getting along with
other friends or with parents?
Write notes or poems about death.










WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDAL FEELINGS, THOUGHTS, OR BEHAVIOR:
Many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also symptoms of depression.
Observations of the following behaviors by parents and care givers may be helpful in
identifying adolescents who may be at risk of attempting suicide:
changes in eating and sleep habits
loss of interest in usual activities
withdrawal from friends and family members
acting out behaviours and running away
alcohol and drug use
neglect of personal appearance
unnecessary risk-taking
preoccupation with death and dying
increased physical complaints frequently associated with emotional distress such as
stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue
loss of interest in school or schoolwork
feelings of boredom
difficulty concentrating
feelings of wanting to die
lack of response to praise
indicates plans or efforts toward plans to commit suicide, including the following:
o Verbalizes "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide."













FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDE AMONG TEENS
INCLUDE:
A psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and
drug use (in fact, approximately 95% of people who die by suicide have a
psychological disorder at the time of death) feelings of distress, irritability, or
agitation
feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression (a teen,
for example, who experiences repeated failures at school, who is overwhelmed by
violence at home, or who is isolated from peers is likely to experience such feelings)
a previous suicide attempt
a family history of depression or suicide (depressive illnesses may have a genetic
component, so some teens may be predisposed to suffer major depression)
physical or sexual abuse
lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of
social isolation
dealing with homosexuality in an unsupportive family or community or hostile
school environment

What Can Parents Do?
Most teens who commit or attempt suicide have given some type of warning to loved ones
ahead of time. So it's important for parents to know the warning signs so that kids
who might be suicidal can get the help they need.
Watch and Listen
Keep a close eye on a teen that seems depressed and withdrawn. Poor grades, for
example, may signal that your teen is withdrawing at school.
It's important to keep the lines of communication open and express your concern,
support, and love. If your teen confides in you, show that you take those concerns
seriously. A fight with a friend might not seem like a big deal to you in the larger
scheme of things, but for a teen it can feel immense and consuming. It's important
not to minimize or discount what your teen is going through, as this can increase his
or her sense of hopelessness.
If your teen doesn't feel comfortable talking with you, suggest a more neutral person,
such as another relative, a clergy member, a coach, a school counsellor, or your
child's doctor.




IMPACT OF SUICIDE
It is estimated that each suicide in the United States leaves an average of six people
intimately affected by the death, either as a spouse, parent, significant other, sibling, or
child of the deceased person. These people are referred to as survivors.
Causes:-
There is no single cause for which suicide can be directly attributed. Environmental factors,
childhood upbringing, and mental illness each play a large role. Sociologists today consider
external circumstances, such as a traumatic event, as a trigger instead of an actual
independent cause. Suicides are more likely to occur during periods of socioeconomic,
family and individual crisis. Most people with suicidal tendencies tend to suffer from some
mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, or some degree of anxiety disorder.
These diagnosable mental disorders are associated with more than 90% of suicide victims.
As a result, many researchers study the causes of depression to understand the causes of
suicide
.
.
Research has also explored the specific brain chemistry of those who take their own lives.
Recent studies indicate that those who have attempted suicide may also have low levels of
the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin helps control impulsivity, and low levels of the
brain chemical are thought to cause more impulsive behavior. Suicides are often committed
out of impulse. Antidepressant drugs affecting serotonin are used to treat depression,
impulsivity, and suicidal thoughts. However, much more research is needed to confirm
these hypotheses and, hopefully, eventually lead to more definite indicators of and
treatment for those prone to suicide.
Mental illness:-
Studies show a high incidence of mental disorders in suicide victims at the time of their
death with the total figure ranging from 98%

to 87.3%

with mood disorders and substance
abuse being the two most common. A person diagnosed with schizophrenia may commit
suicide for a number of reasons, including because of depression. Suicide among people
suffering from bipolar disorder is often an impulse, which is due to the sufferer's extreme
mood swings (one of the main symptoms of bipolar disorder), or also possibly an outcome
of delusions occurring during an episode of mania or psychotic depression






PREVENTION OF SUICIDE
Recognition and early intervention of mental and substance abuse disorders is the most
effective way to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior. Studies have shown that suicide
prevention programs most likely to succeed are those focused on identification and
treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, coping with stress, and controlling
aggressive behaviors.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), it is important to
learn the warning signs of teenage suicide in order to prevent an attempt. Maintaining open
communication with your teenager and their friends provides an opportunity for helping as
needed. If a teen is talking about suicide, he or she must receive an immediate evaluation.
Warning signs for teen depression:
o feelings of sadness or hopelessness
o declining school performance
o loss of pleasure/interest in social and sports activities
o sleeping too little or too much
o changes in weight or appetite
o nervousness, agitation or irritability
o substance abuse
Steps parents can take:
o Keep medications and firearms away from children.
o Get your child help (medical or mental health professional).
o Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected).
o Become informed (library, local support group, Internet)
Steps teens can take:
o Take your friend's behavior and discussion of suicide seriously.
o Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary.
o Talk to an adult you trust. Don't be alone in helping your friend








References:-
www.wikipedia.com
www.google.com