If you are a counselor or in the medical field, you probably hear of suicide much more than you want to.
With this said, it is very sad when you hear of a young person taking their life.
Suicide is among the top 10 causes of death among teens aged 15 to 19 years and one of the leading causes of death affecting people of all ages.
In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 49,000 completed suicides. A peak from the previous years.
Today, our teens are inundated with and exposed to things that baby boomers never were. Unrealistic expectations can create a strong sense of failure that leads to disappointment and anger. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive and self-destructive acts.
As our teens are losing their sense of acceptance and belonging, some are falling into the black hole of depression where they feel there is no way out, no anchor or lifeline. When our teens appear to be upset about their life in general, family, school, and relationships, this can be a deadly combination that leads to depressive thoughts and the contemplation of suicide.
A dual diagnosis of addiction to drugs and alcohol can increase feelings of depression that may lead to thoughts of suicide and death. As parents, if you know of a teen who is thinking of suicide, please do not try to decide whether those thoughts are real or attention-seeking. In trying to help, it is important that you let the teen know you are concerned, that you value the teen as a person and that you want to help.
I will go a step further and encourage you to ask this person about his/her/their feelings.
An example would be: Do you feel sad? Do you feel your life is worth living? Do you feel like committing suicide and have you thought of a plan?
The best way to know if this person is serious about suicide is to ask. If the answer is yes, then it is very important that you advise this person to talk with parents, a counselor or a medical professional.
Sandi Squicquero is a frequent contributor to the Greeley Tribune, writing about mental health issues and more. (Credit/Sandi Squicquero)If your friend shows any resistance, then it is incumbent upon you to inform your friend’s parents and someone in authority to enlist their support.
Do not ignore the situation. Do not make the problem insignificant by saying it is going to be OK. Do not swear to secrecy.
Some statistics of suicide are:
Suicide is now a public health issue in all countries The Rocky Mountain region has the highest suicide rate in the country (Greenspun) Depression is the most common diagnosis in completed suicide Poor coping and poor interpersonal skills increase the likelihood of suicide among youth Stressful life events and previous suicide attempts may lead to suicide Young people are much more likely than older people to be hospitalized for a suicide attempt The psychological, social and financial impact on the family and community of completed suicides is immeasurable.In 2016, our family became part of the suicide statistics for completed suicide.
Our grandson, at 23 years of age, after a stressful life situation, died by suicide. It will forever impact our life.
Suicide is around all of us, and in our lifetime, we will most certainly have a friend or know of a person who has lost their life by suicide.
By identifying and referring someone you know that may have problems with depression, anxiety or difficulty coping with life, you will have taken an important step in suicide prevention and hopefully save a life.
If you know someone in crisis, you may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline is available 24/7.
North Range Behavior Health, Greeley, offers 24/7 Suicide Education and Support Services at 970-313-1089. The Colorado Crisis Services Hotline at 1-844-493- 8255 is also 24/7.
Sandi Y. Squicquero M.Ed, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who works out of the Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center at 1180 Main St., Suite 5B, in Windsor. She has more than 30 years experience as a counselor and is board-certified in medical hypnosis.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Sandi Squicquero: Suicide prevention saves a life )
Also on site :
- Homegrown hero Mikey Lewis revels in long-awaited Hull KR triumph
- Aldi launches £2.49 buy that will banish flies, wasps and mosquitoes from your home this summer – it works ‘instantly’
- Cleaning expert reveals 80p Sainsbury’s buy to get BBQ sparkling for summer – plus common error that poses hygiene risk