The Desperation Point: Suicide of Teens and Young Adults

if it lasts for too long. There is a fine line between living in suicidal thoughts and the desperation point.

How can suicide be prevented? Most importantly is perhaps the support system that the young person has. Counseling for young people, especially after a classmate has succeeded in the act of suicide, is one way to lower the risk of additional suicides. The number of suicides has been linked with one of the group committing suicide first. The others seem to follow in a sort of copy-cat type of scenario. The most important support system is having faith in some "higher power". Life sometimes is unbearable, and with a "higher power" there for support, things can be manageable. Also in church or other religious groups, the fellowship atmosphere can decrease the loneliness that is so often one of the factors in suicide. The youth is assured that he or she is not alone in the world.

The following information on talking to suicidal teens was taken from a website entitled "Teenage Depression and prevention of teenage suicide". The link to this helpful website is included in the resource list I have placed at the end of this article:

Basic Elements To Consider When Addressing A Suicidal Young Person:

1. One does not encourage a young person by talking about the issue. Don't fear addressing it.

2. Suicidal tendencies are not inherited. Some young people will fear that possibility.

3. If the suicidal student makes improvement, the suicide risk is decreased, but can still exist.

4. There is no such thing as "a lost cause" when someone is suicidal.

5. Never assume that talk of suicide is simply a manipulation for attention. What if you are wrong?

6. If the suicidal person is in counseling or therapy, don't assume they are safe from suicide.

7. Suicide never just comes "out of the blue." There are always personal reasons for the feelings.

8. Just because a person is suicidal doesn't mean suicide will always be an option.

9. Having previously failed an attempted suicide doesn't protect someone from another attempt.

The following are some websites that may be of use to those interested in learning more about teen and young adult suicide and preventative measures:

Teenage Depression and prevention of teenage suicide: http://www.1-teenage-suicide.com/index.html

National Suicide Prevention Directory [listings in each state of the US of places and numbers to call for help with suicidal family and friends]: http://www.darkmother.com/nspd.html

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