Why do Teenagers commit suicide?



Abstract

Life as a teenager is not easy and some teenagers cannot handle the pressure. There are a variety of things that can lead a teenager to commit suicide. Depression is the most common cause of teenage suicide; however, there are many factors that can cause depression. Some of these factors can be psychological or physical. Some of these other factors include, but are not limited to, substance abuse, changes at home, domestic violence, and financial problems. Difficulty keeping up at school may also contribute to teenage depression. This difficulty could be academic failure, the pressures of participating in extracurricular activities, and peer pressure to fit in with the majority.

Various studies indicate that economical as well as social problems play a role in teenagers trying to commit suicide. It seems the lower the socioeconomic state, the higher the risk for teenage suicides. Other studies indicate that warning signs and symptoms are going unnoticed or untreated. Family histories, drugs, alcohol abuse, all play major roles and school workers, doctors, teachers, parents and so forth all need to be able to recognize and diagnosis such problems and try and reduce teenage suicide rates .

Introduction4

Discussion5

Literature Review5

Suicide Deaths Compared to Regular Medical Conditions7

What drive teens towards suicide?7

Stress7

Depression7

Substance Abuse8

Family risk factors8

Effects of Social and Economic Pressures9

Recommendation9

Conclusion11

Why Teenagers commit suicide?

Introduction

Suicide is a subject that is not talked about often. Suicide does not only affect adults, but it affects teenagers as well. Suicide can happen to anyone. The age group that is most affected would be teenagers. A teenager would commit suicide due to something that has occurred in his or her life or because the teen is going through a series of emotions. Even though some teenagers may go through this dark side of life, teenage suicide can be prevented through knowledge on the topic and ways a person can help the suicidal teen. (Cutler, 2001)

According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, more than 19 million Americans which aged 18 and above are severely affected by depression every year. Another analysis of the result is that one out of ten men and one out of four women will experience depression in their life. Kyle Eveleth, a Prudenville junior and psychology major believes the loss of support from family and friends could lead to this illness, which is one of the risk factor towards suicide attempts.(Giddens,2007)

Teenage suicides are devastating, not only to the victim, but to families, friends and all who knew the victim. Statistical data show the rise and decline in teenage suicides ages 15 to 24 as far back as 1952. The causes, symptoms, risk factors, are all factors. Studies indicate that young men commit suicide at a higher rate than young women. There are economical as well as social surroundings that play a major role in placing teenagers at a higher risk of suicide.

Researchers are finding that medical conditions undiagnosed or left untreated, is contributing to the rates of teenage suicides. Other researchers are finding that warning signs are going unnoticed ...