Teenage Suicide

Teenage Suicide rates are on the increase. 

There are more suicides than road deaths, and for every suicide reported there are 100 to 200 more attempted suicides. 

These deaths are not only traumatic for the individual but also all their friends and the whole school where they attend. 

It seems to be that it is the easy way out for many, who have tried other methods, perhaps alcohol, or drugs. 

These teenagers don’t want to feel desperate, and it is not an easy way out and a selfish act, nor is it an attempt to get attention. 

It is a deep-seated depression that drives them, they cannot see any way out, they are desperate and it is no use telling them to pull their socks up, or to cheer up.

The danger is that when they find an out in the form of suicide it is like all their worries and concerns are lifted and that they finally have an answer, so they may even appear to have cheered up, and this is a sign that should be looked for. 

We can ask ourselves what is causing all these suicides, it may be pressure to achieve, it may be that they feel that they are letting people down, or it could be peer pressure. 

There are a lot of teens that are cyber bullied too, which can be another source. 

Whatever the reason if you feel your child is at risk seek help. 

Your GP can be the first step, but antidepressants are not always the answer. 

A mental health assessment is more useful, and then get help from a psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist. 

They need to be able to talk in a safe environment, they need to feel safe that what they say is held in strictest confidence, unless they appear to be in imamate danger of committing suicide then action will be taken.

Teens find it very hard to talk to those close to them, sometimes they may have one friend who they confide in, but this is not usual.

There were 927 reported deaths in 2020.

If you or you know someone who is suffering, please contact me on 0411 407149.