By Edward T. O’Leary, Chief of Police
Last Tuesday I attended the District Attorney’s Anti-Crime Council Meeting. One of the key issues that were addressed was that of teen suicide. This discussion was brought into focus by Bill Keating talking about a case he had just been to in a neighboring town where a young man had hung himself. Since becoming Chief of Police, our community has also suffered several tragic deaths when young people took their own lives. The children in our community must deal with substantial challenges in their day-to-day life and the pressures they face are significant. I know that most of us do not want to talk about teen suicide as it makes us feel uncomfortable. We might even be afraid that by talking about “it”, we might encourage someone to make an attempt. I would suggest that the opposite is true; if we do not act, we may be enabling some young person to act out on his or her feelings.
In Massachusetts, suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. There are an estimated 24,000 suicide attempts by high school students each year. In 1999, there were 430 deaths from suicide (all age groups), 433 from motor vehicle crashes and only 128 from homicide.
According to the 1999 Massachusetts Risk Survey of Students:
21% reported considering suicide in the past 12 months, 8% attempt it;
Adolescent females had a high rate of suicide thinking and behavior;
9th grade students are more likely to attempt it than 12th graders;
Teens who have been victimized at school and believe no one will listen are more likely than their peers to attempt suicide.
Adults have an important role in the prevention of youth suicide. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make the difference between life and death.
There are some known risk factors:
· Major mental health problems;
· Trauma, including rape and domestic violence;
· Substance abuse problems;
· Loss of a family member or friend (especially if by suicide);
· Gender identity issues;
· Poor family stability.
Most suicidal youth suffer some degree of depression:
It is important to distinguish depression from a temporary “case of the blues.” The “blues” usually affects teenagers only briefly and may disappear aster talking with someone who cares.
Depression, on the other hand, is a medical illness. It influences one’s thinking, feeling and normal body functions such as eating and sleeping. Depression may persist without treatment.
Once the idea of suicide is considered, the attempt doesn’t usually happen right away. There is usually a two to three week period where the person says and does things that indicate their intention to commit suicide. It is not easy to determine if the youth is suicidal. Often the behavior is conflicting and changing.
The youth may act in the following ways:
· Overly self critical
· Complains of being a “bad person” or feeling “rotten inside”
· Neglect of personal appearance
· Isolates self from friends and family
· Puts life in order: makes a will, gives away favorite possessions.
They also may say things as:
· I won’t be a problem for you much longer
· You will be better off without me
· What’s the point of living
· How do I become an organ donor
· Who cares if I’m dead, anyway.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. You should make the first move for help because a suicidal child probably won’t.
Talk to the teen privately.
· Explain why you are concerned and make sure they know you care.
· Ask if they have had suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide in the past. It’s okay…asking the question actually decreases the risk of suicide. The youth will probably be relieved that someone has noticed and is talking to them about it.
· Stay calm and listen. Allowing them to talk it our may help “lift the problem off their shoulders.”
· Remind the youth that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
· Formulate a plan together. Identify individuals who can help. Offer to say and accompany him or her to a meeting with parents or professionals.
· Do not act shocked or angry.
· Do not promise to keep it a secret. If the youth is suicidal, professionals must be notified.
· Do not leave the youth alone if you sense immediate danger of suicide.
Seek professional help from school officials or mental health providers. By working with parents, these professionals often can save lives.
· Riverside Community Care – 1-800-529-5077
· The Samaritans 1-617-536-2460
24-hour hotlines: 1-617-247-0220, 1-508-875-4500
· The Samariteens 1-877-S0S-TEEN/1-800-252-8336.
As parents, we are often the last to know if our child is having a problem. If you hear about behavior of another child from your own children, let that other parent know. Share your concerns and discuss examples of what their child has said or done.
Prompt, clear, accurate and supportive communication to family members can make the difference between life and death.