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Suicide
What are the warning
signs of suicide?
The following warning
signs may be signs of a mental health problem, such as a mood disorder, or
they may relate directly to suicidal thoughts or behavior:
-
Changes
in functioning, such as
-
A drop in grades
- Neglect of personal
appearance
- Neglect of responsibilities
-
Changes
in emotions, such as
-
Changes
in behavior, such as
-
Use
of drugs or alcohol
-
Victim
of sexual or physical abuse
-
Sexual
feelings or confusion about sexual orientation that the teen finds unacceptable
-
Self-harmful
behavior, such as cutting or anorexia
-
Talking
or writing of suicide or death
-
Making
a suicidal gesture, such as taking a small amount of pills
Myths and facts you
should know
Myth: Teens
who kill themselves are obviously depressed.
Fact:
It's not always obvious. Parents are sometimes "the last to know"
their teens are so depressed and desperate. Teens are often very good at hiding
their problems. While depressed adults may seem deeply sad and hopeless for
quite a while, depressed teens may seem happy much of the time as they swing
rapidly in and out of depression.
Myth: People
who talk about suicide do not do it.
Fact: Teens who talk about suicide or wanting to "run away,"
"get away," "disappear," "end it," or "die"
are much more likely to kill themselves than those who do not. Talk of suicide
or death should be responded to right away.
Myth: "If
he really wanted to kill himself, he would have done something more lethal."
Fact: A non-lethal attempt, such as taking a small number of pills
or making scratches on the wrist, may be followed by more lethal behavior
at a later time. In addition, the non-lethal attempt may indicate deep emotional
problems not obvious otherwise. Suicide attempts or "gestures" should
be taken very seriously with prompt safeguarding and intervention.
Myth: "She's
just doing it to get attention."
Fact: This is true at times, but the behavior can still be lethal.
A teen not intending to die may still take too many pills or miscalculate
when someone will rescue her.
Published online: 2/07
Source: Teen Suicide, Mood, and Depression (Copyright © 2007 American
Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 7/06)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Teenager.
To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
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The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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