What are the Signs? How to Prevent Teen Suicide!

     This will be my last blog for the topic of teen suicide. If you didn't read my last two blogs the point I hit were how bullying and other things can lead to teen suicide and statistics on teen suicide. In this last of three blogs I will be talking about signs of teen suicide and ways to try to prevent teen suicides.
     Teen suicide can happen right underneath a persons nose, there can be signs and nobody would even now if the teen is thinking about committing suicide. Some adults or peers see that a teen is acting differently than usual and don't even ask if they are alright. There can be many different signs that could lead to teen suicides and we as parents, family, teachers, mentors, classmates and friends need to find ways to prevent teen suicide from happening. In the next paragraph or two there will be information on signs of teen suicide and how to prevent teen suicide.
     Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicide attempts have been committed with clear warning signs, make sure you know them. Keep reading to learn what teen suicide warning signs to look for, including warning signs or indications of a suicide plan. Part of preventing a teen suicide is being involved in the teen’s life and watching for teen suicide warning signs. It is also important to be aware that many teen suicide warning signs are also indications of depression. So the teen might not be thinking of killing themselves, but remember depression can lead to suicide in some cases. Some teen suicide signs might be a call for help so it is extremely important to take teen suicide warnings seriously because if you don't someone can take their life, Here is a list if some signs of teen suicide…
    •    Disinterest in favorite extracurricular activities
    •    Problems at work and losing interest in a job
    •    Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug (illegal and legal drugs) use
    •    Behavioral problems
    •    Withdrawing from family and friends
    •    Sleep changes
    •    Changes in eating habits
    •    Begins to neglect hygiene and other matters of personal appearance
    •    Emotional distress brings on physical complaints (aches, fatigues, migraines)
    •    Hard time concentrating and paying attention
    •    Declining grades in school
    •    Loss of interest in schoolwork
    •    Risk taking behaviors
    •    Complains more frequently of boredom
    •    Does not respond as before to praiseExpresses thoughts of death, dying and a desire to leave this life
    •    Dramatic mood swings (becomes very happy after feeling very depressed)
    •    Lost interest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities (including declining grades
    •    Changes in normal habits, such as eating and sleeping, and spending time with friends and family
    •    Dramatic weight fluctuations, in any direction

    One step to teen suicide prevention is to know and recognize suicidal behaviors.As I said
before it will help to be in the teenager's life so you know the signs. One of the most important
aspects of preventing teen suicide is support. Support is a big part because when someone has
support it can make them feel welcome that they have someone who loves them or wants them
to be alive, they have something to live for. Having the teen know that you are there for them
no matter watt happens gives them hope in life. Remember if you see any type of sign of teen
suicide seek professional help.  Some of the most effective teen suicide prevention programs consist of identifying and treating the following problems:
    •    Mental and learning disorders
    •    Substance abuse problems
    •    Problems dealing with stress
    •    Behavior problems (such as controlling aggressive and impulsive behavior)

    Thank you for reading my blogs and I hope that they were helpful or informational. If this is the first blog that you have read in my trilogy I would advise you to read the other two they are amazing.

Bibliography:

http://www.teensuicide.us/articles3.html

http://www.teensuicide.us/articles2.html