[NYAPRS Enews] MNT: Effective Strategies To Prevent Teen Depression And Suicide

[Harvey Rosenthal]

Effective Strategies To Prevent Teen Depression And Suicide

Medical News Today  November 19, 2012


Untreated depression <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8933.php>
is one of the leading causes of teen suicide, and signs of depression
can also be a warning that a teen is contemplating suicide. In an
article published in the quarterly journal, The Prevention Researcher,
University of Cincinnati researchers are describing how positive
connections can help offset these tragedies. 

In the current issue, titled, "Teen Depression," UC researchers Keith
King, a professor of health promotion, and Rebecca Vidourek, an
assistant professor of health promotion, report that depression and
suicide are "intricately intertwined among teens" in their article,
"Teen Depression and Suicide: Effective Prevention and Intervention
Strategies." 

The authors reveal that teen suicidal warning signs encompass three
specific categories:

1.	Behavioral warning signs - Traits that teens may display when
contemplating suicide include difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping;
changes in school performance; loss of interest in once pleasurable
activities; giving away cherished possessions; expressing thoughts of
death or suicide.
2.	Verbal warning signs - Verbal statements include, "I want to
die;" "I don't want to be a burden anymore; "My family would be better
off without me."
3.	Stressful life events - A traumatic event for the teen, such as
a breakup, parental divorce or loss of a loved one.

King and Vidourek also highlight national research that finds that gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgendered teenagers are at an elevated risk for
depression and suicide, possibly because of lack of support systems and
social acceptance, as well as greater isolation among peers. 

The UC researchers say building strong connections with family, schools
and the community are key to protection against depression and teen
suicide. "Research clearly indicates family connectedness helps to
prevent teen suicide, even if teens are socially isolated from peers,"
write the authors. They add that because teens spend such a large amount
of time in school, the authors recommend that schools adopt prevention
and intervention programs that include education, early detection and
follow-up programs to address teen depression and suicide. 

"As research indicates, the key component to effective
depression/suicide prevention is the development of positive social and
emotional connections among teens and supportive adults," the authors
conclude in the article. "Thus, getting teens positively connected to
positive people and positive situations should remain the goal." 

Editors Note:

If you are feeling suicidal it's important to get help immediately -
most countries have help lines that you can call - especially for
younger people: 

UK: http://www.childline.org.uk/
You can call ChildLine at any time on 0800 1111 to speak to a
counsellor. Calls are free and confidential. 

USA: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
(1-800-422-4453) 

Some websites that may help are: 
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
http://www.mind.org.uk/help/diagnoses_and_conditions/suicidal_feelings 

Likewise if you are considering self-harm or are already down that route
it's important to get help and these sites may help you: 
http://www.harmless.org.uk/ 
http://www.dailystrength.org/ 

Further reading: 
What Are Suicidal Thoughts? What Is Suicidal Ideation?
<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193026.php>  
What Is Depression? What Causes Depression?
<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8933.php>  
What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? What Is PTSD? What Causes PTSD?
<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156285.php>  

These are just a small selection of the options available to you - your
doctor should be able to help. 

Please don't give up, you will feel better again. 

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