Is Suicide a Possibility?

 

Note: None of the information you find on this site about depression or suicide should take the place of a medical evaluation. People suffering from depression need to see a doctor and may need medical treatment. Suicide is a medical emergency. People who are thinking about suicide should go to or be taken to a doctor or emergency room immediately.

IN EMERGENCY CALL 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) National Hotline

Personal Comments From President of EduGeeks

 
The following statistics are from the year 2000-2001 Minnesota Survey of Students. We have highlighted various grade level data.

 

Had Thought About Killing Themselves

  • 21% male, 20% female-------------sixth graders
  • 27% male, 44% female-------------ninth graders
  • 29% male, 41% female-------------twelfth graders

Having Serious Thoughts of Suicide

  • 29% female---------------------------ninth graders

Attempted a Suicide

  • 7% male, 6% female---------------sixth graders
  • 7% male, 17% female-------------ninth graders
  • 7% male, 13% female-------------twelfth graders

Minnesota teens seem to be faring no better or worse than teens nationally as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Identifying High Risk Children & Adolescents

If you are at all concerned about this issue regarding a loved one go to a qualified doctor. Since every child and situation is different only a qualified doctor can make a determination as to whether your child is at risk. The following information is given only as a general guidelines not for specific cases.
The Following Information is From SAVE -Suicide Awareness Voices of Education TM

 

During an attempt or a "suicide attack" some children and adolescents:
Don't know why they are doing it, but feel unable to stop
Don't remember the attempt at all.
Felt as if they were in a trance.
Thought they would be rescued.
Cannot verbalize their feelings, so their pain comes out in their actions.
Have increased impulsiveness and impaired judgment, perceptions, and cognitive skills.

Asking the Suicide Questions?

Do you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself?.
Do you ever feel so badly that you have thoughts of dying?
Do you ever wish you could runaway or disappear?
Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and not wake up?
Do you ever have scary dreams about dying?

Treatment might include:
1. Depression Inventory Scales,Suicidal Risk Assessments, Suicidal Intent Scales, Degree of Hopelessness Scales, Diagnostic Interview Questionnaires.
2. Psychotherapy:
· Cognitive Therapy- teaches more positive thinking, coping and problem-solving
· Interpersonal Therapy - might teach children how to make friends
· Group Therapy - with others of similar age that have a depressive illness
· Family Therapy - works with the entire family and discusses various family dynamics
· Various supports at school

3. Various forms of play therapy, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, visualization

4. Antidepressant medications, stimulants, also some types of alternative medicine


5. Hospitalization

HOW TO HELP
Educate yourself on childhood & adolescent depressive illnesses and suicide
Tell children that they can feel better, that suicidal thoughts are only temporary and that there are people who want to help them.
Remember that talk of suicide or suicidal hints or threats should always be taken seriously and responded to immediately.
Know that early intervention is the key to successful treatment for children who suffer from depressive illnesses.
Understand that treatment should be a team-approach including parents, relatives, caregivers, school personnel, psychotherapist, child psychiatrist, friends, neighbors and other significant people in the child's life.