About Suicide
Youth Suicide
Statistics
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 - 24 year olds.
- Youth suicide accounts for 16.6% of the total number of suicides in 1998.
- The largest increase in death by suicides was in the 14 - 24 years age group between 1921-25 and 1996-98.
- It is estimated that for every one youth suicide there are 50 attempts.
Risk Factors
Suicidal thoughts are usually a response to the experience of loss (in its many forms) and the emotional pain that comes as a result of loss. When we look at risk factors we have to be aware of a number of life experiences that could be seen as a loss to a young person. Not only a physical loss but, more so, an emotional loss which impacts on two main factors: 1) the young person's sense of "being loved" or cared for by others, and 2) the young persons sense of "worth". The young person may then respond to the pain of a loss or losses in negative ways. These negative responses compound the emotional pain and suicide becomes an option to stop the pain.
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
For ideas on how to help a suicidal young person see the SALT strategy
top
