Teenage Suicide and Suicide Linked With Eating Disorders

Posted by Jeannie Delahunt Mar 13, 2009

I was traveling somewhere, when I stopped at a local Dunkin' Donuts for a coffee-to-go. While waiting in line, I chanced upon a talk show hosted by Dr. James Dobson, noted doctor of psychology. The topic was teenage suicide. Though a depressing topic, I was drawn to it, and I listened intently. As I listened, I felt an intense urge to write about it.

No one is exempt from committing suicide, given the right combination of factors. What those factors might be, are different for each of us. Intense depression can certainly be one factor, as well as an overwhelming sense of no way out.

As a society, are we stressing out our young people? The teenage years are stressful enough. Have we overloaded them to such a degree that for some, they just cannot cope with it all?

I know for myself, I would not want to be a teenager in today's world. When I was teenager, about all I had to think about, along with the kids I hung out with was, the opposite sex, dating, getting good grades, preparing for college, finding a part-time job and getting my driver's license. Though, towards my last year of high school, alcohol and drugs became popular. Not for me, however. I saw bright classmates become burn-outs. The change terrified me enough to steer clear of he chemicals.

These days kids are hit with, all of the above, plus, a rising number of blended family dynamics, intense pressure from the media to be thin and beautiful to be successful (male and female), early sex/birth control, violence everywhere, even on the home front, a heightened sense of not trusting another person, the possibility of in-school shootings, and the poor economy.

These are just my observations. I'm sure some of you might be able to think of more. For the most part, I grew up during a time when life was less complicated. There was a high degree of safety and surety. I could walk down the street and not be afraid of who I might encounter. There was a higher degree of respect. Schools were safe. Parents and teachers made sure the schools were safe. If a student disrespected a teacher or another student, you paid for it at home as well as in school.

I'm just saying that, our teenagers need all the support we can give them. Expecting them to figure it all out on their own is a fantasy. Even as an adult, I know I can't figure it all out.

Eating disorders and the pressure to be thin adds yet, another dimension to the suicide dilemma. Adults can filter out some of the messages the media likes to pound us with. Teenagers have a harder time doing so.

When I wrote about Janell's Smith's suicide I was reading through some of the comments on the CBS site. It amazed me how little some people know about the dynamics of suicide, drug abuse and eating disorders.

Though I do not want anyone to leave feeling depressed, when members of society are hurting or suffering, it has a ripple effect upon all of us. Please, if any has concerns regarding suicide, seek professional help. Ignoring the red flags, could cost someone his or her life.

Be blessed! Thanks for reading!