Causes and Prevention of Suicide in Adolescents

Introduction

Suicide is “the action of killing oneself intentionally” (New American Oxford Dictionary). According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents ages 10 to 24 (2014). Adolescent suicide is quickly becoming an epidemic. As shown in the chart, between 1993 and 2000, suicide rates were decreasing. Between 2000 and 2010, however, the rates have been increasing to alarming numbers. “Deaths from youth suicide are only part of the problem. More young people survive suicide attempts than actually die” (Center for Disease Control, 2014). Studies show that adolescents who struggle with violence, low academic performance and substance abuse are more likely to commit or attempt to commit suicide.

Violence

When a child is exposed to domestic violence, that child learns as early as age three that violent, manipulative, invasive or controlling behaviors are socially acceptable and without punishment. That child will learn that it is their right, their privilege, their obligation, to control their significant other later on in life.

There are four types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental and emotional abuse and neglect. Physical abuse is the type or abuse most people think of when they hear about “abuse.” Physical abuse is far more common among male victims than among female victims. In the words of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center, “boys are at a higher risk and experience more severe abuse” (2011). Although the exact definition of sexual abuse is somewhat debated, most sources agree on a pretty basic definition: any type of sexual act that one person knowingly forces another, unwilling (or underaged) person to take part in. Unlike the victims of physica...

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