Preventing Teen Suicide: Be Alert to the Warning Signs
Why are adolescents vulnerable?
Adolescence is a period of maturation between childhood and adulthood preceded by physiological signs and surging hormones of puberty. It is a time of expedited social and psychological exploration, accompanied by interpersonal, academic and emotional challenges as well as exploring new domains using their talents and experimenting with social identities.
Adolescence has been frequently conceptualized as a period of continual struggle, as a result of which adolescents experience severe psychological distress and a disruption of their usual conduct. Thus, psychological maladjustment, behavioral problems, conduct related problems, substance abuse, affective or mood disorders and other impairing psychiatric disorders emerge in nearly 20% of adolescent population (Sadock & Sadock, 2011). These psychological maladjustments are frequently seen in adolescents who fail to achieve a sense of identity, have low self-esteem, are socially isolated, feel socially rejected, lack optimism, are not able to maintain good peer relationships and have disturbed relationships with family members. Additional factors such as changes in family dynamics such as divorce, siblings moving out, loss of a loved one, bullying, loneliness, abuse, and substance abuse in family members have also been commonly known to be a predictor of unhealthy or stressful transition to adulthood or maladaptive behaviors. Such adolescents are at higher risk for emotional problems and psychiatric disorders. In order to escape painful feelings or difficult situations, they tend to indulge in activities such as behavioral or chemical addiction in which they can loosen themselves completely or absorb themselves mentally to reduce their tension and sadness. To name a few, internet addiction, pornographic addiction, video game addiction, smoking, alcohol consumption, self-harm behavior and bullying are most commonly reported form of maladaptive ways of coping with their emotional issues. Indulging in these may only give an immediate gratification but in the long run promotes anti-social behaviors, dependence, detachment, frustration, denial and guilt. The latter three are known to be the precursor for depression and suicidal ideation.
Warning signs to look out for:
Remaining isolated
Loss of interest in day to day activities and hobbies
Neglecting activities of daily living such as maintaining hygiene, grooming etc.
Changes (increase or decrease) in sleep and appetite
Self-harm behaviors
Expressing ‘wish to die’ and frequently says “I want to kill myself,” or “I am going to commit suicide.”
Pessimistic conversations indicating disappointments such as “I won’t be a problem much longer,” or “If anything happens to me, I want you to know..”
Sudden behavioral changes
Frequent anger outbursts or irritability on petty issues and sometimes even without provocation
Substance abuse
Frequent physical complaints without any medical evidence
Excessive display of remorse or guilt
Preventive measures
Suicide is a multi-factorial behavioral phenotype. Social, psychological, cultural, familial and other factors can interact to lead a person to suicidal behavior. A teen’s bio-psycho-social make up can predict the probability of his or her transition to adulthood as healthy or stressful transition. Biological factors include Thyroid disturbances, PCOD in girls, nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin D or B12 deficiencies etc. are known to have negative consequences on one’s overall mental well-being such as onset of anxiety and depressive features. Proper sleep hygiene is one of the most important factors to be taken care of.
Psychological factors include traits and temperament, coping mechanisms, problem-solving and decision-making skills, emotional regulation, one’s self-concept and self-acceptance. Adolescence is the period where adolescents seek for and develop a sense of autonomy and identity. The above-mentioned psychological factors play a very important role in a healthy transition to adulthood. Poor self-concept which includes low self-esteem, poor self-acceptance and self-worth may lead to development of a pessimistic set regarding oneself, the world and their future which often results in ideas of worthlessness, helplessness and hopelessness. These negative thoughts often make a child vulnerable to suicidal ideation and anxiety.
Social factors that facilitate healthy transition to adulthood are active and encouraging support system, validation of their feelings, not comparing one child to the other, respecting their uniqueness, non-judgmental and non-critical attitude, providing them space to express their emotions regardless of their gender, avoiding labels for child, realistic expectations, authoritative parenting and actively seeking help in cases of mental health issues.
What parents/Family/Friends can do?
The first help that can be offered to an adolescent who seems to be suicidal or depressed or sad is ‘active listening.’ Avoid labeling or invalidating their distress as teenage melodrama. Majority of the times they don’t want to be preached or taught, rather they just want to be listened to. Parents should offer them the space for expression and confidence as well as ease of seeking professional help when needed. A healthy parent-child bond and social support system may not take away the challenges of adolescence but will definitely lead to ‘healthy transition’ to adulthood.
