Teen Suicide

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Recommended: Suicide as a social phenomenon

Suicide is a major problem worldwide, especially for teenagers. Self image plays a big roll in American society today, especially in enabling someone to make a wrong and destructive decision like suicide. Self image and low esteem effect the chances of a teenagers suicide greatly. There are many events that lead up to a young persons suicide, for instance a little problem that seems inescapable which manifests themselves into overwhelming burdens. Detection and prevention are both key for adults and young people to stop suicide from happening.

After taking a look at the numbers of suicide, most would be amazed. For example, by the time one reads this paragraph there will be someone attempting to commit suicide, but only 5% of people actually take their lives. Over 80% of these people had problems with their social life in which they lost a good portion of friends or had a “major” problem with their image or self esteem. About half the teens in this country have had thoughts of suicide cross their minds on a monthly basis. Each teen was know to have a deep drop in motivation. In a study of 59 suicidal teens there was reported that only 7 parents knew about what their child was going through. Something more shocking is that out of 36 teens who made a suicide attempt, only 2 parents were aware. The potential risk of suicide appears when a kid has depression and anxiety or even hopelessness. Remember that teens always need to be shown the unconditional love from their immediately family and parents (Langwith,26).

There are many case studies that help explain why suicide is prevalent. Most stories of suicide in teens are the same. For example, a popular High-schooler by the name of Chuck. Chuck was a junior in an Avon High Scho...

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2.) "Suicide." Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Mon. 6 Feb. 2012.

3.) "Teens Are Particularly at Risk for Suicide" by Michael S. Jellinek. Suicide. Jacqueline Langwith, Ed. Opposing Viewpoints® Series. Greenhaven Press, 2008. Michael S. Jellinek, "Teen Suicide May Leave Unanswered Questions," Pediatric News, vol. 39, July, 2005, p. 25. Copyright 2005 International Medical News Group.

4.) Langwith, Jacqueline. "2." Suicide. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. 23-29. Print.

5.) Marcovitz, Hal. Teens and Suicide. Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2004. 22-24. Print.

6.) Wohlenhaus, Kim. Suicide Information for Teens: Health Tips about Suicide Causes and Prevention : Including Facts about Depression, Risk Factors, Getting Help, Survivor Support, and More. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2010.

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