Is teenage suicide a problem in your country?

If yes, what do you think its main

causes, and what is done to help prevent teenage suicide?

There are many reasons to why a person will put their life at risk, such as Stress;
Depression anxiety, or other mental health disorders; Family history of suicide; A history of
substance abuse; Exposure to violence, abuse, or other trauma; Social isolation or bullying;
Losing a family member through death or divorce; Financial or job loss; Conflict within
relationships; Starting or changing psychotropic medications; Feeling stigmatized; Lack of
support.

In my opinion, teenage suicide is a problem all over the world. And my country have the same
issue as others. The rates of teen suicide have gone up rapidly in the past two decades. In the 21st
century pressure is everywhere. Especially when it comes to the young people. The need or
desire to be “perfect” usually implemented in the minds of young people through social media.
When it comes to fitting societies standards, teens (who still don’t have fully developed brains)
think that they need to follow what society says. If that means gaining a thigh gap or dropping
ten pounds, regardless many teens feel as if they do not fit within the standards. When they have
this feeling of not belonging or emptiness there’s a sense of “why am I here”. When teens feel
they can’t fit in they feel as if there’s no purpose to life. Many teen suicides are associated with
the lack of self confidence and feelings of “not fitting the image” that society has drawn up for
them.
Bullying is usually the main cause of many teen suicides. It drives innocent people to do crazy
things such as take their own lives. Whether it’s cyber bullying or in person bullying, there are
huge impacts. Bullying can be name calling, fighting, tormenting, and even in some cases
threatening. Many teen suicides are usually caused by bullying. Many people usually reach their
breaking point and that may be suicide. Bullies usually don’t take into account how words and
actions can hurt. It’s until later that the bullies realize that they’ve done damage, but usually its
not the key. Most of the time bullies have their point of view on how things should be done. And
the best way for them is thru physical or mental power. Bullying causes lots of mental and
emotional problems that may result in teen suicides. Many victims usually show signs of being
bullied but until it’s too late no one really realizes.
Also, many teens commit suicide through drugs. When a teen has the opportunity to abuse a drug
with the feeling of “not existing” they use the drug to commit suicide. Many teen suicides have
been caused by drug overdosing or exaggerating the amount of any drug given. “Popping pills”
is one of the most common ways many teens get the chance to overuse a drug. Simple
supplements such as Tylenol can be taken in large amounts which is abuse of a drug. When this
drug is taken more than needed it starts to mess with the insides of the body, soon vital organs
begin to shut down. When any drug is taken it alters the brain and when large amounts are taken
the brain is a bigger target be be affected. Substance abuse causes impulsiveness which
sometimes can lead to teen suicide.
1. Talk about mental health and suicide

Talking about how the brain can create cognitive distortions(opens in a new tab), or "faulty"
thinking patterns, that can disproportionately focus our attention on negative emotions or beliefs,
including suicidal thoughts.
Teens benefit from knowing that cognitive distortions are a common phenomenon anyone can
experience, and that they can make someone feel helpless — a warning sign that they need help.
Horowitz says coping skills like talking to a trusted adult, calling a crisis or suicide hotline,
connecting with a good friend, or taking a walk can help quiet or reduce intrusive thoughts.

The trick for any caring adult having this conversation with a teen is to model the behavior
themselves, says Horowitz. That means not only being emotionally honest with a child but also
consistently demonstrating what it looks like to use different coping skills in response to stress,
anxiety, disappointment, and other difficult experiences.

2. Make a safety plan

When a teen indicates they're suicidal, it's critical to help them make a safety plan. That
document(opens in a new tab) can be a list of warning signs that crisis might be imminent;
coping skills to manage those emotions; people and places that can provide positive distractions;
trusted loved ones and professionals to contact; and ways to make an environment safe from
potential self-harm.

3. Identify "gatekeepers" trained to spot signs of suicide risk and provide resources

The "gatekeeper" model relies on training community members, particularly adults, how to
recognize that youth may be at risk for suicide. Such training can happen at schools, community
health centers, and other settings where staff frequently come into contact with youth. The
trained gatekeepers are prepared to identify risk in vulnerable youth and connect them with
mental health and suicide prevention resources when necessary. Research(opens in a new tab)
suggests that gatekeeper training is associated with reductions in youth suicide deaths and
attempts.

4. Know what to look for in treatment

If a teen seeks or needs formal treatment for suicidal thinking and behavior it's important to
know as much as possible about the available options. Some therapists may have little
experience working with suicidal teens, but could be skilled at treating depression and anxiety.
Other providers may specialize in reducing suicidal thoughts and behavior, with a track record to
match.

For a suicidal teenager, treatment should include a variety of clinical and experiential modalities
to address the multiple factors that leave teens vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and attempts. The
following evidence-based modalities are proven to prevent depression and suicide in teens.

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is specifically designed to address depression and

the risk of teen suicide, by repairing ruptured relationships between parents and teens. As a
result, young people feel safe enough to turn to their parents for support when they are
experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) brings clarity to what a teen is thinking and feeling. CBT
identifies the emotions that often result in a sense of isolation. Consequently, it identifies the
self-defeating thoughts and assumptions that make life more difficult. CBT provides valuable
insight for the depressed teen.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) provides specific skills like mindfulness and emotional
regulation. Teens learn to recognize the sensations in their body when dangerous impulses arise,
put those feelings into words, and use simple techniques to shift their nervous system.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) leads to transformation and healing. This therapy
helps teens make positive choices. MET helps resolve any initial resistance to treatment.

Experiential modalities, such as art therapy and music therapy, give teens ways to process their
emotions through self-expression and body-based practices.

Additionally, developing positive coping and relaxation skills for managing stress can help
protect teens against suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.