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Presented by Beth Swanson English 108. Teen Suicide. Statistics. A suicide occurs every 40 seconds. An Iowa Case. Southest Polk Senior High loses 3 in 6 months Spring 2008 – Kyle Johnson Summer 2008 – Austin Drabek Early Fall 2008 – Ryan Webb. Causes.
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Presented by Beth Swanson English 108 Teen Suicide
An Iowa Case Southest Polk Senior High loses 3 in 6 months • Spring 2008 – Kyle Johnson • Summer 2008 – Austin Drabek • Early Fall 2008 – Ryan Webb
Causes Most common cause of a teen taking their life is DEPRESSION Other contributing factors: • Feelings of hopelessness • Anxiety • Feeling trapped in a life they can not handle • Divorce of parents • Violence in their life • Death or suicide of a friend or family member (rebound effect) • Alcohol and or Substance abuse • Rejection • Feeling unsuccessful • Peer pressure • Financial troubles • Feeling Worthless Although the causes are similar, every teen’s reasoning is different
Warning Signs • Depression • Dramatic change in personality • Changes in sleeping or eating habits • Expressing that nobody cares • Talking about suicide • Having issues with friends or family • Substance or Alcohol abuse • Complaining regularly of being sick • Writing about suicide • Making plans of suicide • Interacting with people that glamorize suicide • Begin giving away sentimental possessions • Have made previous attempts of suicide NEVER IGNORE THE WARNING SIGN(S)
Effects • Questions left of “why” for family and friends to figure out • Leaves a “hole” in the family • Blame felt by family or friends • Suicide rebounds (others commit suicide due to a recent suicide or death of a loved one)
Prevention • Talk to your teen about suicide. DO NOT KEEP IT A SECRET • Never judge your teen if they are thinking of taking their life. Let them know you are there to help • Listen to your teen. Do not start to solve their problem(s) for them • Do not show anger towards your teen if they come to you to talk about the problems they are having • Keep lethal weapons out of their reach (ropes, guns, pills, knives, etc) • Seek professional help for your teen if needed • Residential Facilities that specialize in teen suicide