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What drives young people to thoughts of suicide today?

Most youth who kill themselves, or try to, simply can’t think of any other way to solve their problems. If a child or teen you are concerned about is depressed or thinking of suicide this is the place to talk to someone who can help you help them find a better solution.

Share your questions about depression and suicide in the Nineline Forum.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds (after accidents and homicide). Teenagers are under a lot of stress to be liked, to do well in school, to get along with their families and to make important decisions that will lead to a happy adult life. Most of this stress is unavoidable, and it is natural to worry.

Many things can make one feel lonely, helpless, hopeless and depressed. There are many reasons why teenagers become suicidal. They include everything from stress to the loss of someone they love. If someone you know is considering solving these or other problems through suicide – it’s best to seek help. Suffering these feelings alone can only make them worse, and make problems seem insurmountable. Be an open ear for the youth you are concerned about. Help them to know they are not alone.

1. Feelings of loneliness, helplessness, hopelessness and depression:

-Loss of a loved one (the breakup, separation or death of a boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, friend, pet)
-Loss of self-esteem (poor school performance; physical, sexual or psychological abuse)
-Physical changes (having to wear glasses, braces, or a cast, or a changing body)
-Change in ones family (new step-parent; a parent who suddenly goes to work after having been home all of the time)
-Change in ones living situation (moving; running away from home; becoming homeless)

2. The chronic mental illness, depression or suicide of a friend or family member

Most teenagers look up to their friends and family members. If they have a chronic mentally ill or seriously depressed friend, parent or other family member - they might find themselves overwhelmed and frightened by their behavior and begin to behave that way themselves.

3. Family changes

Teenagers rely on their families a lot as they grow into adults themselves. They may feel lost or confused by an unstable family. Perhaps their family moves so much that they have to adjust to new schools and friends. Or perhaps their parents have granted them too much independence and they feel they’re not ready to make all their own decisions just yet. If their family structure changes suddenly – through separation, divorce, the absence or death of a parent – they might feel a sudden change in their outlook on life.

4. Stress - fear of failure and the pressure to succeed

Being a teenager is an extremely stressful time. A teen’s physical growth, sexuality, pressures of relationships, school and more can lead to so much stress they may feel they just cannot cope. The pressure to succeed at home or school can also lead to depression and thoughts of suicide. Some kids snap under the intense pressure and are embarrassed when they think they’ve failed. Many kids experience seemingly overwhelming problems – simply because they’ve had little experience handling stress. They may doubt their ability to survive a particular crisis and choose suicide as a way out.

5. Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs or alcohol are involved in 70% of all teen suicides. Abuse of these substances affects ones judgment and can exaggerate bad feelings. For most people who are feeling anxious, depressed, angry or hopeless, drinking or taking drugs only makes them feel worse. Abuse of drugs or alcoholic substances can also create a false sense of courage needed to follow through with suicide.