Teen Suicide Research Paper free essay sample

Detection and prevention are both key for adults and young people to stop suicide from happening. After taking a look at the numbers of suicide, most would be amazed. For example, by the time one reads this paragraph there will be someone attempting to commit suicide, but only 5% of people actually take their lives. Over 80% of these people had problems with their social life in which they lost a good portion of friends or had a â€Å"major† problem with their image or self esteem. About half the teens in this country have had thoughts of suicide cross their minds on a monthly basis. Each teen was know to have a deep drop in motivation. In a study of 59 suicidal teens there was reported that only 7 parents knew about what their child was going through. Something more shocking is that out of 36 teens who made a suicide attempt, only 2 parents were aware. The potential risk of suicide appears when a kid has depression and anxiety or even hopelessness. Remember that teens always need to be shown the unconditional love from their immediately family and parents (Langwith,26). There are many case studies that help explain why suicide is prevalent. Most stories of suicide in teens are the same. For example; a popular High-schooler by the name of Chuck. Chuck was a junior in an Avon High School and a star football athlete. He was living a good life until December 2002, that’s when he started having problem; most of which gave him a bad image of himself. His girlfriend broke up with him and declined his invitation to winter ball. On top of that he lost his after school job and suffered a severe drop in academic performance. When it was time for Winter Ball he was all alone and trying to get back with his ex. After many failed attempts Chuck was yelled at by one of her friends, she screamed â€Å"She doesn’t like you, get away from here, and get a life†. The next day his parents discovered his body hanging shower. Many teens have a story similar to this where they fear being a outcast and being made fun of by their peers, or having a wrecked social life(Inside Suicide, 5). Suicide is highly preventable for teens by anyone close to them, but early detection is key. We all know a teenager whether their a friend or family member, but what we don’t know is what goes on in their heads prior to their suicide. Suicide is a tricky thing to prevent because you don’t know whether it’s a mood swing or the real deal. There are clear warning signs that give you a hint that the teen is suicidal. They usually talk about death and have wish to die. Although it may seem as if a teen always says â€Å"I’m going to kill myself! †, this is just an example of anxiety. Another sign is a social life that encounters a downfall as well as a problem that gives them a bad image of themselves. They let themselves go on the outside (appearance) and also on the inside. After these turn of events they also start preparing for death by giving away valued possessions. Although these are what usually happens with a suicidal child, it can possibly be unexpected like Chuck’s suicide. A teenager from Minnesota named Elizabeth once helped save two friends from suicide, she says that â€Å"With suicide I think that a major thing is a feeling of being alone and I think that the greatest way that we can help youth is let them know that we are here for them. † (â€Å"Youth Speak Out! † 3) If one suspects that someone is on the verge of suicide they can always call the suicide hotline. Another possible solution could be taking the individual to a physiologist or another professional (Suicide and Suicidal Behavior,2). In the novel Speak Laurie Halse Anderson, the main character Melinda Sordino is at high risk of suicide due to her fall in social life which reckoned her self status. This all started at a party where she was viciously raped by older guy. Melissa was only a freshman and called the police due to her attach. When the police arrived, the party ended and there was several arrests. Immediately people knew it was Melinda because she asked for a friends phone. Everybody blamed Melinda and hated her, but nobody knew the whole story. She became a outcast overnight. She had no friends at all, and it was official; she had no social life and little to no self esteem. She had no relationships whatsoever-even with her family. Melinda cracked under the pressure and started cutting herself. When she was on the verge of killing herself her mom told her, â€Å"Suicide is for cowards, you’re better than that† (Anderson, 118). These words meant a lot to her because they finally talked and slowly revived their relationship. Communication is key because it makes the child feel as if there’s someone who cares about them (Suicide,3). Suicide is an issue in American that affect teens in a way like no other. Teenagers have lots of problems that amount to killing themselves. A bad social life, bad self-picture of yourself, or even a bad problem can greatly affect suicide. Its your job to keep the people you love from being people you loved. So take action and remember that friends and family play a huge role in preventing suicide by recognizing their feelings and taking action. 1. )Vorvick, Linda J. Suicide and Suicidal Behavior. New York Times 3 July 2011, Health/Guides sec. : 1-3. Print. 2. )Suicide. Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Mon. 6 Feb. 2012. 3. )Teens Are Particularly at Risk for Suicide by Michael S. Jellinek. Suicide. Jacqueline Langwith, Ed. Opposing Viewpoints ® Series. Greenhaven Press, 2008. Michael S. Jellinek, Teen Suicide May Leave Unanswered Questions, Pediatric News, vol. 39, July, 2005, p. 25. Copyright 2005 International Medical News Group. 4. )Langwith, Jacqueline. 2. Suicide. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. 23-29. Print. 5. )Marcovitz, Hal. Teens and Suicide. Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2004. 22-24. Print. 6. )Wohlenhaus, Kim. Suicide Information for Teens: Health Tips about Suicide Causes and Prevention : Including Facts about Depression, Risk Factors, Getting Help, Survivor Support, and More. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2010.