The statistics show that
that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among those 15 to 25 years
of age and the 6th leading cause of death among those 5 to 14 years of
age. Can you believe that 5 year olds are killing themselves!
Are these isolated incidents? No, its estimated that 500,000 teenagers
try to kill themselves every year, and about 5000 succeed. That's
right up there with cancer and homicide.
Many families who have experienced
suicide try to hide what happened from their community, and sometimes try
to deny what they experienced from each other. Sadly, rather than
face suicide as a fact of how their loved one died, many victims (survivors)
never talk about it in open conversation. As Jared's mom, I can testify
that the subject of Jared's suicide was an uncomfortable subject to talk
about the first few years after Jared died.
Who does the silence hurt, you might
ask? First of all, the immediate family and acquaintances of the
suicide victim. Because everyone needs to grieve at a loved ones death,
lack of communication between friends and family can only hurt a healing
heart. Humans have a strong desire to talk about and have deep discussions
with others who understand the loss of a loved one. The greatest
fear of anyone who has lost a child is that everyone will forget their
loved one who has died, that their child's name will forever be excluded
from conversation.
Some people think that by talking
about suicide, the attention might encourage others to commit the act of
suicide. Actually, the opposite is true. Open and honest discussion
is the best prevention for suicide as well as any emotional, or even physical
condition. How many people have been saved from Cancer because they
shared a concern with someone who then helped them to seek help.
Talking about suicide gives thought to the consequences and victims left
behind. And with a little help and time, almost anyone can be helped
with suicidal feelings. But it has to be talked about first!
Studies have shown that as many
as fifty percent of the general public have seriously considered suicide
as a solution to our problems. I would dare say that at some time
in everyone's life, everyone has had, at least, a passing thought of the
suicide option. The danger is when a person thinks about suicide
while they have depression - when thoughts have a hard time escaping the
entrapment of a clouded brain.
Watch for events in the child's
or adults life that might trigger depression.
Examples may be:
A death of a family member or
close friend - which could include a fellow
student from school
An assault, car accident or painful
physical event - which could include physical
bullying
Mental, or emotional event -
which
could include non-physical bullying
Marriage breakup, or love lost
suddenly - which could include "breaking up"
with a girlfriend or boyfriend
Constant physical, mental, or
emotional pain that goes on for a length of time - which
includes constant bullying that is not intervened, resolved or stopped
entirely
Major Financial setback - which
includes a teenager who may have lost a job
Something "embarrassing" happens
- as an example; getting kicked off a football
team or a public insult by a teacher or popular student; bullying
Failing an important exam a school
- not a normal trigger unless the exam was
life changing and the individual is under a lot of stress
A best friend moves out of town
- especially true for teenagers who are being
bullied and have very few friends as it is
>>
If you or your loved one has experienced
any of the above triggers of depression, be aware that depression might
follow and take some preventative precautions, such as counseling, intervention,
or learning stress reduction techniques.
# 1 CAUSE OF SUICIDE: UNTREATED
DEPRESSION
It can be very hard to diagnose
depression. There are many different kinds of depression and not
all people will have the same symptoms, or have them to the same degree.
Here are some symptom to watch for and if they last more than a few weeks,
a doctor or psychiatrist should be consulted.
Persistent sad or "empty" mood
Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless
pessimistic and or guilty
Substance abuse
Fatigued or loss of interest
in ordinary activities
Difficulty concentrating, remembering
or making decisions
Thoughts of suicide; suicide
plans or attempts
Persistent physical symptoms
or pains that do not respond to treatment
If you or your loved one has
four or more of the symptoms of depression above and nothing seems to help
those symptoms go away, get help! Sometimes, just being diagnosed
with Clinical Depression will be the best thing to help you or a loved
one get on the road to recovery.
DANGER SIGNS OF SUICIDE
Talking about suicide, or killing
oneself, even in a joking manner -
Statements about hopelessness,
helplessness, or worthlessness
Preoccupation with death
Suddenly happier, calmer
Loss of interest in things one
used to care about
Visiting or calling people one
cares about
Making arrangements; setting
one's affairs in order
Giving things away
Get
a free e-book,
Suicide,
The Forever Decision, by Paul Quinett, Ph.D. Go tohttp://www.qprinstitute.com
to download.
Watch Jared's Story, Brenda's
Story and Jared's Sister's Story on the E!
Network, first
aired - 4/21/2010 - E!
Investigates: Bullying
"Hold
my hand, give me hugs, share my tears, and smiles, ...love me as I heal."
>>>>>>
SUPPORT AND OUTREACH TELEPHONE NUMBERS
For Survivors of Suicide call - 1-800-646-7322
The Hope Line Network - 1800 SUICIDE (784-2433)
If thinking of suicide call:
1-800-999-9999
NOW
or call Samaritan's Suicide Hotline at
212-673-3000 or look up a
local phone number in Suicide
Hotlines and PLEASE CALL NOW!
Recommend - Suicide, The Forever
Decision, by Paul
Quinett, Ph.D. Go to http://www.qprinstitute.com
to download.
Suicide 
Bullying
