depression and suicide

Live and Let Live

by Linda Beahm, M.D.

There are no really definitive reasons "why" a teenager takes his or her own life. Often, a suicide appears to be an attempt to resolve a conflict by which the teen feels entrapped. This conflict may involve friends, parents, boyfriends or girlfriends, or even school and church groups.

Personal losses, such as the death of a loved one, disruption of the family unit by divorce, or any matter that the teen perceives to be a personal, irrevocable failure, may become a precipitating event. Guilt, or fear of the consequences of such matters as legal involvements or pregnancy may again create an overwhelming conflict in an adolescent's life.1

  • The key to prevention of teen suicides is to alert and mobilize parents, teachers, friends, health personnel and other potential rescuers, teaching them to recognize high-risk teens, or behavioral clues preceding a suicide attempt and how to intervene. Sari2 Surprisingly, an estimated 80 percent of suicide victims mention their intent before their attempts. 3
  • We must ask in order to know. Remember that thoughts of suicide need to be brought into the open for you to be able to help. Asking about suicide will not plant the idea of suicide in the mind of someone who is not already contemplating it. It will often offer the relief of being able to talk about it to someone who is thinking about it. Take a supportive attitude and encourage a young person; that's the best first step. Remember that people contemplating suicide are usually ambivalent about living or dying.4 Therefore, they need suggestions of hope, and the support of someone who will point out reasons to live.
  • If you suspect an adolescent is suicidal, maintain frequent and open contact. Encourage them to call or to stop by in person. Listen to everything they have to say — and then offer hope. For example, "I'm glad we can talk about this," and "I believe there is help for you." Try to pinpoint the problems and listen to the story, his or her previous attempts to cope and what the current problem is. Try to focus on his or her feelings and try not to moralize. Exploring his reasons for wanting to die can help to break up feelings of overwhelming helplessness into more manageable portions.5
  • Referral to professionals trained in intervention is a wise course of action. Professional intervention will include assessment of the teenager's risk of suicide and treatment, help through counseling, and possibly medication. A teen may be treated as an outpatient or during hospitalization, according to the assessed danger. Important aspects of any treatment include mobilizing family support for therapy, discussion and increasing observation of the patient.6 The patient's home must be cleared of any potentially lethal weapons.7 The counselor may ask the patient and family to initiate a "contract" to assure the patient's safety during the time of healing. Friends who offer acceptance and support are also of major importance.
1 Robert B. Shearin, "Suicide and Depression," Adolescent Medicine (Kalamazoo, Mich.: Upjohn Co., 1983), 131.
2 Staver, "Help Prevent Teen Suicides, MDs Urged," American Medical News, 230/30 November 1984: 39.
3 H. Norman Wright, "The Crisis of Suicide," Crisis Counseling (San Bernardino, Calif." Here's Life Publishers, 1985), 100.
4 Leon Eisenberg, "Adolescent Suicide: On Taking Arms Against a Sea of Troubles," Pediatrics 66 (July 1980), 319.
5 Wright, 108-110.
6 Shearin, 130-131.
7 Eisenberg, 317.
Adapted from A Reason to Live by Donalyn Powell, published by Bethany House Publishers. Copyright © 1989 Donalyn Powell. Used by permission.

Background Information

Risks and Signs of Suicidal Behavior
Suicide is common in the adolescent years. Knowing what to look for is the best prevention.

Depression and Suicide
Teens suffering with depression need to be assessed for their risk of suicide. Pay particular attention to these risk factors.

The Symptoms of Depression
Most people associate depression with a feeling of gloom or sadness, but there is a much more important set of symptoms to keep in mind.

Understanding Depression
Depression afflicts everyone at some point. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to address.

Moods and Worldviews
Suicide is more likely where mood disorders and modern belief systems abound.

Questions and Answers

I have a 14-year-old who is depressed, angry and will only talk about our old home. How do I help her?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

You Never Get All the Answers
A couple touched by suicide shares their walk through grief.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

Spend It Any Way You Like
Sometimes, the meaning of life is found in the most surprising places.

Related Topics

Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children

Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest