DECEMBER 2012

SAVE YOUTH
An initiative by I too had a love story.

YOUTH COMMIT SUCIDE Teen suicide is a major cause of death among teens, though many do not recognize suicide as a serious threat to a teenagers well being. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and teenagers. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), about 8 out of every 100,000 teenagers committed suicide in 2000. For every teen suicide death, experts estimate there are 10 other teen suicide attempts. In a survey of high school students, the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center found that almost 1 in 5 teens had thought about suicide, about 1 in 6 teens had made plans for suicide, and more than 1 in 12 teens had attempted suicide in the last year. As many as 8 out of 10 teens who commit suicide try to ask for help in some way before committing suicide, such as by seeing a doctor shortly before the suicide attempt. Teen girls and boys are both at risk for suicide. Teen girls are more likely to attempt suicide, but teenage boys are four to five times more likely to die by suicide. Over half of teen suicide deaths are inflicted by guns. FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK= Depression or feelings of loneliness or helplessness Alcohol or drug addiction A family history of abuse, suicide, or violence Previous suicide attempts; almost half of teens who commit suicide had attempted suicide previously. A recent loss such as a death, break-up, or parents divorce Illness or disability Stress over school, relationships, performance expectations, etc. Fear of ridicule for getting help for problems A belief that suicide is noble

THE MAIN REASON

90 percent of people who attempt or commit suicide suffer from a mental illness, such as:

Depression, which causes a teen to feel sad, lonely, withdrawn, and unable to accomplish simple tasks. Bipolar disorder, where a teen alternates between periods of depression and mania, insomnia, concentrate. characterized irritability, by and exuberance, inability to

Schizophrenia, a complicated condition where a teen has hallucinations or distorted

perceptions of reality. Alcoholism or drug addiction, especially when combined with another mental health disorder; 20 to 50 percent of suicide attempts are related to drug or alcohol use.

SIGNS OF TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Sadness or hopelessness Irritability, anger, or hostility Tearfulness or frequent crying Withdrawal from friends and family Loss of interest in activities Changes in eating and sleeping habits Restlessness and agitation Feelings of worthlessness and guilt Lack of enthusiasm and motivation Fatigue or lack of energy Difficulty concentrating Thoughts of death or suicide If you are suffering and dont know where to turn, Call the Ninelines 24-hour hotline for children and teens at 1-800-999-9999. Its free, confidential, and always available, so call if you need to talk to somebody or want information on where to get help in your area.

CAUSES OF TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, the influence of sex hormones, and independence conflicts with parents. It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as the death of a friend or relative, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or failure at school. Adolescents, who have low self-esteem, are highly self-critical, and who feel little sense of control over negative events are particularly at risk to become depressed when they experience stressful events. True depression in teens is often difficult to diagnose because normal adolescent behavior is marked by both up and down moods, with alternating periods of feeling 'the world is a great place' and 'life sucks'. These moods may alternate over a period of hours or days. Persistent depressed mood, faltering school Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. Risk factors include

performance, failing relations with family and friends, substance abuse, and other negative behaviors may indicate a serious depressive episode. These symptoms may be easy to recognize, but depression in adolescents often manifests very differently than these classic symptoms.

stressful life events, particularly loss of a parent to death or divorce; child abuse; unstable care giving, poor social skills; chronic illness; and family history of depression.

SAVE YOUTH- AN INITIATIVE BY I TOO HAD A LOOVE STORY

SHARING STRENGTHS & STRENGTHENING EMOTIONS

I too had a love story

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