OAK LEAVES FAMILY SERVICE
COLUMN - AUGUST, 1998
My best friend keeps avoiding me; she just
stays home alone in her room all the time. Last night she called me and
said she feels so depressed she doesn't want to live anymore -- and she's
only 15! I talked to her for a long time and I think I made her feel better
but I keep wondering what more I could have done.
You're right to be concerned. Whenever anyone expresses a desire to end
his or her life we should take it seriously. Suicide among teens has risen
dramatically in the last thirty years where it now is the second leading
cause of death for teens. Over 6,000 adolescents successfully commit suicide
each year in the U.S. with another 900,000 attempting but failing in their
effort.
To learn more about teenage suicide,
check out these resources:
- Rush Youth Suicide Prevention Program
312/563-2550
- Fillmore Center
708/795-4800
- Dumont L. (1991). Surviving Adolescence: Helping Your Child
Through the Struggle, Villard Books: New York
- McCoy, K. (1994). Understanding Your Teenager's Depression.
Perigee: New York
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"Most adolescents give off pronounced signals when they are considering
suicide," says Stacey Gottlieb, L.C.S.W., a clinical social worker in the
crisis and youth services program at Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest. "Significant behavior change often precedes
a suicide attempt. Withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities,
changes in eating and sleeping habits, unusual neglect of personal appearance,
and loss of interest in pleasurable activities can be just a few warning
signs."
While some teens may retreat from everyday life, others become very rebellious,
may run away or begin abusing drugs or alcohol to deal with their lack of
self esteem, says Gottlieb. Frequent complaints about physical symptoms,
often relating to emotions, such as stomach aches, headaches and fatigue
may also be evident.
A teen who is contemplating suicide may also complain about being "rotten
inside," and give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem
for you much longer."
"A teen who has made a decision to commit suicide may start wrapping up
loose ends and begin to give away personal possessions," says Gottlieb.
"Another warning sign may be a sudden change to cheerfulness after a period
of depression. When teenagers are significantly depressed, they often don't
have the initiative to end their life. When they come out of a depression,
they are most at risk."
People who talk about suicide aren't trying to get your attention, they
are begging for it, says Gottlieb. Being aware of suicide warning signs
and maintaining communication can make teen suicides preventable. Don't
think such thought will just go away. Friends and family members should
get immediate professional help for the at-risk teen.
Crisis programs such as Family Service's Crisis, Youth and Police Social
Services Program provides trained crisis workers 24 hours a day, seven days
a week who can assess the situation and provide the help needed. Crisis
workers can be summoned by concerned individuals, family or friends to provide
these emergency services.
"Our first concern in responding to a suicide threat is to keep the individual
safe," says Gottlieb. "Next we assess the situation, and link the individual
with existing community mental health services. We're also available for
the individual's family and friends during these situations, helping them
to provide the support and understanding that is critical to assisting their
loved one."
The important thing to remember is to never dismiss a person's words concerning
suicide. By alerting trained professionals you may help save a life.
Located at 120 S. Marion, Oak Park, Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest is a not-for-profit social service and mental
health agency that provides counseling, psychiatric and prevention/education
programs to men, women, youth and families. To learn more about our programs
or to make an appointment, contact us at (708) 383-7500.
