About suicide ricks

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens, but teenagers and their parents underestimate the risk or think that it doesn't happen in their own communities, a new study shows.They found that parents and teenagers were able to identify many of the most common risk factors for suicide, including depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and relationship problems.

In 2006, 1,771 children and teens between the ages of 10 and 19 committed suicide in the U.S. Teenage boys were four times as likely as teenage girls to die by suicide and they were also more likely to use guns and suffocation to kill themselves. Girls were more likely than boys to use pills.

Among ethnic groups, teenage suicide rates were highest for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, with 15.4 deaths per 100,000 teens. Rates among white, Hispanic, and African-American teens were 4.7, 3.0, and 2.7 per 100,000, respectively.

Gay and bisexual teens are especially at risk, with one survey reporting suicide attempts among 28% of gay and bisexual teenage boys and 20% of gay and bisexual teenage girls.

According to the AAP, signs that a depressed teenager might be suicidal include:

• A dramatic change in personality
• Relationship problems, especially with a romantic partner
• A drop in grades or quality of schoolwork
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• A change in eating or sleeping habits
• Having trouble concentrating
• Giving away prized possessions
• Writing notes or poems about death
• Talking about suicide, even jokingly

If you suspect teenagers might be thinking about suicide, the AAP recommends:

• Act quickly. Suicide is preventable, but quick action is important.
• Ask about it, and don't be afraid to say the word "suicide." Using the word may help at-risk teenagers understand that someone has heard their cries for help.
• Reassure teenagers that you love them, and make sure they know that no matter how bad the problems seem, they can be worked out.
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings, and listen carefully. Don't dismiss the problem or get angry.
• Remove all lethal weapons from your home, including guns, pills, kitchen utensils, and ropes.
• Seek professional help. Ask your teenager's pediatrician for guidance.

For more information about suicide ricks with teenagers please visit
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20100111/teens-parents-underestimate-teen-suicide-risk
And WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/default.htm