Teen Suicide is a Real Issue
Suicide is the act of killing oneself intentionally. Today, suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens ages 15-19. Almost 7% of high school students report making a suicide attempt and over 14% of high school students report suicidal thoughts. Suicide in teens can be brought on by many different factors: including feelings of hopelessness, depression, worthlessness, loneliness, anxiety, bullying, hazing, and other triggers. Sometimes, teens feel as though there is no other option expect to kill themselves to relieve the pain they feel on a daily basis. You, as a parent, should know this information so that you can monitor your child for symptoms. If your child is often depressed and feels lonely, or is bullied or hazed by other students, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on them. Of course, not all teens actually commit suicide, but it is better to watch your child before any drastic measures are taken in extreme cases. If you get even a vibe from your child about committing suicide, do NOT wait to get them help! If there are any concerns regarding your child and this topic, call this toll-free hotline at any time: 1-800-SUICIDE. Do not suffer the loss of your child if it can be prevented!