- SUICIDAL TENDANCIES By CELIN MATHEW 1St B. ED NATURAL SCIENCE • Suicide is the second leading cause of death - following motor vehicle accidents - among teenagers and young adults. • On average, adolescents aged 15 to 19 years have an annual suicide rate of about 1 in 10,000 people. • Among youths 12 to 16 year of age, up to 10% of boys and 20% of girls have considered suicide. • Gay and lesbian adolescents are more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. • Suicide rates are 5 to 7 times higher among First Nations and Inuit teens. RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE • Suicidal behavior risk factors have been classified into 2 separate categories: 1. Predisposing factors 2. Precipitating factors • Predisposing factors are those that directly increase an adolescent's risk for suicide. They include the following.
1. Previous Suicide Attempt
2. History of a Prior or Ongoing Psychiatric Disorder 3. History of Sexual or Physical Abuse 4. History or Exposure to Violent Behavior 5. Family History of Suicidal Behavior or Mood Disorders 6. Biological Factors, Including Male Sex and Gay or Lesbian Sexual Orientation • 4 main precipitating or potentiating factors • Although they are not sufficient in and of themselves to increase suicide risk, they can synergistically increase the likelihood of some form of suicidal behavior when they are present. They include: 1. Substance abuse 2. Access to firearms or other means 3. Social stress, such as interpersonal conflicts with friends, family, or law enforcement 4. Emotional factors, such as feelings of despair or hopelessness WARNING SIGNS • Withdrawal from family and peers • Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities • Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork • Neglect of personal appearance • Obvious changes in personality • Sadness and hopelessness • Changes in eating patterns, such as sudden weight loss or gain • Changes in sleep patterns • General lethargy or lack of energy • Symptoms of clinical depression • Violent actions, rebellion, or running away • Drug and alcohol use • Symptoms that are often related to emotional state (e.g., headaches, fatigue, stomach aches) • Loss of ability to tolerate praise or rewards PREVENTION • Getting effective care for mental, physical, and substance use disorders • Being able to easily access mental health services • Getting support from family and the community • Learning ways to peacefully resolve conflict • Having cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide • A supportive nurturing environment • Ready access to mental health services • A school or other social setting that promotes respect for individual, racial, and cultural differences THANK YOU