In 2001, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among young people 10 to 24 years of age, following unintentional injuries and homicide.



There were 300 deaths among children ages 10-14. The male to female ratio is 4 to 1.



Suicide among adolescents ages 15-19 accounted for 1,621 deaths. The male to female ratio is 5 to 1.



Among young people 20 t0 24 years of age there were 2,373, deaths. The male to female ratio is 7 to 1.



Over all the most common method of suicide from the ages 10-19 is firearm (49%) followed by suffocation ( mostly hanging) (38%) and poisoning (7%).



However, suffocation has taken over as the preferred method of suicide by teens 10 –14 years of age. In 2001, a total of 1.8 suffocation suicides occurred for every 1 firearm suicide.



Suffocation has also been on the rise among 15-19 year olds as well but as of 2001 firearms were still the most common method.



One reason suffocation suicide has become so common is due to a new game called the choking game, also known as murphing or space monkey. This is occurs when the teenagers make themselves pass out by cutting off oxygen to the brain. This apparently causes a sense of euphoria for a few seconds.



It is vitally important for parents, teachers and counselors to become familiar with the facts about teens and young adults, especially when it comes to depression and suicide. But the signs that a young person is suicidal can sometimes be difficult to decipher.



Indirect causes



Psychologists have identified the teenage years as one of the most difficult phases of human life. Although it is often seen as a time to enjoy friendship, hang out with friends and perform other activities that adults would not usually do, often this period causes adolescents a large amount of stress.



Many changes in the human mind take place during pubescence. A part from the onset of sexual maturity, teenagers must also make key decisions about their future, develop their identities, change schools and make new friends, find out about their family’s past, and so on. Many young people have difficulty coping with these stresses, particularly in combination with the onset of mood-altering hormones.



Direct Causes



Alcoholism



Death



Divorce



Domestic Violence



Drug Abuse



Rapes and Sexyal Abuse



Steroids



Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants)



Clinical Depression



Rejection



Homosexuality



Social Isolation



Social Stigma



Teaisng or Bullying



Poor Body Image



Warning Signs



Depression



Self-Mutilation



Drug/Alcohol Use



No sense of humor



Changes in social interactions



Change in eating and sleeping habit



Loss of interests in activities normally enjoyed



Drastic weight loss or gain commonly attributed to specific eating disorders



Complete or near-complete withdrawal altogether from peers and social contact



Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality schoolwork



Mood changes (especially if the teenagers acts increasingly angry about life in general)



Quietness, especially if the teenager used to confide in the parent and suddenly longer does



What to do



Many doctors recommend that teenagers be taken to a hospital immediately after they express the desire t commit suicide. There are many methods of helping teenagers with suicide in mind, both medical and psychological. Most teenagers who think of suicide believe their problems are too hard or embarrassing to talk about, so in order to subside the action it is important for a helper to show they can be trusted and talked to. Seeing a psychologist is widely recommended as well. Psychologist can improve a teenager's view of life by listening to them and making them feel it will work out for the best.



Doctors recommend that helpers do not ask the teenagers what reason the teenager had to think of such a thing to do; rather , one should listen and wait for the teenager to gain trust enough so that he or she finally can feel comfortable in talking about the problem. Helpers should, however, show understanding of the teenager's situation.


Media Coverage



In the United States the issue has been the subject of considerable media attention. After three teenagers from Southern states committed suicide within a week in 1990, many news outlets began speaking about the problem. Media coverage increased further after the Columbine High shootings. The 2000 movie The Virgin Suicides helped remind the public that teen age girls are also prone to suicide.