SUICIDE


 

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People who try to kill themselves want to live.  This statement seems at odds with itself, but it is true.  Most teens interviewed after making a suicide attempt say that they did it not necessarily because they wanted to die, but because they were trying to escape from a situation that seemed impossible to deal with, or to get relief from unbearable feelings.  At the moment of a suicide attempt, dying seemed like the only way out. Entrapment ipod

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Throughout different points in our lives, many of us feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations.  Most of us get through it.  So why does one person try suicide when another person in the same tough situation does not?  What makes one person more able to handle a situation than another person? The Third Wheel download

The answer may lie in the fact that most people who attempt or commit suicide are experiencing depression or are abusing drugs or alcohol.  We’ll talk more about that here, and then share some common warning signs and where to go for help.

Depression

Depression is very common and affects as many as 1 in 8 teens.  It affects people of every color, race, economic status, or age.  Depression is more than occasionally feeling sad.  It is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer.  Depression affects a person’s thoughts, outlook, and behavior as well as mood.  It leads people to focus mostly on failures and disappointments, to emphasize the negative side of their situations, and to downplay their own worth.  Someone with severe depression is unable to see the possibility of anything good happening and may believe they will never be happy or things will never go right for them again.  A teen with depression may feel like there’s no way out of their problems and no escape from their emotional pain.

Substance Abuse

Teens who abuse alcohol and drugs are also at a high risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

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The Perfect Assistant ipod Many drugs have depressive effects on the brain and misuse of these substances can bring on severe depression.  A Shot in the Dark hd Mr. Baseball divx In addition to these effects, many people who are experiencing depression turn to drugs and alcohol as an escape – only worsening the problem. 

One of the biggest dangers for teens abusing drugs or alcohol is the effect on their judgment.  Their ability to assess risk, make good choices, and think of solutions to problems are greatly inhibited while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which increases their risk for suicide.  This explains why many suicide attempts occur when a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

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Many times, depressed teens will plan their suicide in advance. 

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Other times, suicide attempts happen impulsively.  A situation such as a breakup, an unintended pregnancy, or a big fight with a parent can lead an already depressed teen to feel desperate. 

There are signs that someone may be thinking about or planning a suicide.  Here are a few:

  • Talking about death
  • Talking about “going away”

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  • Giving away possessions
  • Talking about feeling hopeless, desperate, guilty, or worthless
  • Withdrawal from family, friends, school, or work
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Reckless behavior
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs
  • Self-mutilation

If someone you know is showing one or more of these warning signs, do not assume they are thinking about killing themselves.  Talk with them.  Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask them the question.  Don’t beat around the bush and ask, “Are you going to hurt yourself?” Ask them point blank, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”  This way it registers with them how serious it is. 

Many times, people are too afraid to ask thinking they will “plant a seed” in that person’s head or they will offend them. 

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By no means will you be planting a seed and if the person is offended, they will get over it.  It is much more important to know for sure if someone is thinking about suicide. 

Getting Help

Are you having thoughts of suicide? 

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If you have been thinking about suicide, get help NOW.  Final Voyage video Depression is very powerful.  You can’t wait and hope that you will feel better soon. 

First, talk to someone you can trust as soon as possible.  If you can’t talk to a parent, talk to a coach, a relative, a school counselor, a friend’s parent, or a teacher.  Call a suicide crisis line (1-800-273-TALK or 1-808-521-4555).  These crisis lines are staffed with people who are trained and can help you without ever having to know your name or see your face.  All calls are confidential. 

It’s important to have the support of someone you trust who can ensure you stay safe and will make sure you get professional help.  A trained professional will be able to help you ease the pain and desperation you are feeling.  Meet the Feebles move Please check out our links to find help in your area: Help in Your Area: Physical & Emotional Health


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