Recognizing Signs of Suicide in Teenagers

Teenagers are not infrequently faced with a variety of challenging problems. This can lead to violence against yourself, including suicide attempts. Although these actions are carried out secretly, but there are signs of teenage suicide attempts that can be recognized. World Health Organization (WHO) noted that every 40 seconds, there is one death victim caused by suicide, including from teenagers. There are many factors that can trigger these actions, generally starting from problems in life that cause psychological disorders such as depression, even drug abuse. Family problems, the burden of education, to harassment in cyberspace (cyberbullying) also increases the risk of suicide among adolescents.

Signs of Teenagers Who Want To Conduct Suicide Attempt

A teenager who wants to commit suicide will usually show unusual movements, such as:

• Talking about and thinking about death.
• Draw or write about death.
• Give personal items to others.
• Cover yourself from family members and closest relatives.
• Experiencing emotional changes quickly.
• Performing very dangerous actions that can lead to death, such as reckless driving or taking excessive drugs.
• Experiencing a drastic change in personality, for example, becomes very restless.
• Experiencing changes in eating patterns or sleep disorders.
• Feeling lost interest in things you like or continuing school activities.
• Decreased self-confidence, ranging from feeling ashamed, self-hating, worthless, excessive guilt and believe that everyone will be better without him.
• Feel there is no hope for the future because the conditions experienced will never get better.

Keep in mind, the signs of suicide above are not always visible in every teenager. In some cases, adolescents do not show these signs and tend to hide their suicide attempts. Therefore, it is the duty of family and closest relatives to always pay attention to the movements of adolescents who may be a sign of suicide attempts.

Prevent Suicide in Teenagers

If you find teenagers who act as if they are planning to commit suicide, then do the following to prevent them from committing suicide:

• Ask questions and offer help

Asking about suicidal ideation in teens who want to do it is the right thing. Although it looks difficult, it can actually prevent suicide in teenagers. Also ask the problem being experienced and offer help that you can provide.

• Get rid of dangerous objects

Keep all dangerous objects that can be used to commit suicide, such as pest poison, drugs, sharp objects, firearms, out of his reach.

• Pay attention

Listen to everything he wants to say and always monitor his actions. Do not ignore the threat of suicide and label it as individuals who like to overreact. Try discussing with him to find out the problem he is facing and support them to solve it.

• Support him to do positive things

Give support to teens to start doing positive things, such as returning to enjoy a hobby, exercise outside the field, or just socializing with friends. This is intended to help reduce symptoms of depression in adolescents.

• Take care steps

Help teens to undergo treatment with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Believe that this step will help him to become better. In addition, help him to follow what is recommended.

Various problems and conditions that occur during adolescence, in fact can be managed properly, especially with the support of family and closest people. Recognize signs of adolescents experiencing stress or attempting suicide, use the methods above to try to prevent these dangerous actions.