Everyone looks forward to the holidays, school is out, most businesses close and it is a time to get together with family and friends. But for some it can be a stressful time and a day they just want to make it through. Suicide is third among leading causes of death for young people in the United States. Many think of only adults being stressed during the holidays, but it is also true for teens.
Suicide in teens may occur due to a combination of factors that include emotional problems due to biological changes, identity issues, peer pressure or a need to separate from family.
What are the warning signs:
- Aggressive or irritable behavior
- Saying things such as “I want to kill myself” or “Life isn’t worth living”
- Giving away favorite belongings
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
- Crying
- Stomach aches or headaches
- A sudden lack of concern with appearance
- Spending lots of time alone
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Becoming attached to a single peer group
- Acting withdrawn or bored
- Feeling helpless or worthless
The following article appeared in The Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado has the 6th highest suicide rate in the nation. (2004 statistics) and about a tenth are teens:
Holidays may cause thoughts of suicide in depressed teens .
Websites with information and support:
Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide Prevention Partnership
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Very good point about teens feeling the parent’s frustration. Sometimes as adults we don’t realize how much our lives effect a teens life. Thanks Willow.
TELL TELL TELL…. DON’T assume that because somebody talks about it that they won’t go through with it! Maybe by telling you can buys someone some time during which they’ll get help or meds or just realize that the problems they’re facing now won’t always be problems for them!!
Sometimes the holidays are even more stressful for teens than for adults because you-know-what flows downhill and, as parents are crunched for time and money, during the holidays, teens often get the brunt of the parents’ frustration.