Youth Suicides on an Upward Trend (Part 2)

Sour economy. "When the economy is bad, and jobs are harder to find, it's a tough time for kids who are trying to get a job," she said. Zuckerman also noted the stressors of getting into college and being able to afford it. However, overall, she thinks that children are more isolated, even from their families, than ever before. "Kids and family members are spending more and more time apart," she said. "Apart might mean being on the computer. Kids and their families are not watching TV together, they're not eating meals together, they are not talking to each other nearly as much."Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, according to the CDC, surpassed only by accidents and homicide. The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex and while it can be difficult for adults to remember how it felt to be a teen-to be caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood-parents should be aware of the signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves. Many of the signs and symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression:

• Change in eating and sleeping habits
• Withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities
• Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
• Drug and alcohol use
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance
• Marked personality change
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue
• Not tolerating praise or rewards

They may also talk about suicide or death or "going away," or talk about feeling hopeless or guilty. If one or more of these signs occurs, parents should talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help from a physician or a qualified mental health professional. With an adequate support network of family and friends, along with appropriate treatment, children and teens that are suicidal can heal and return to a healthier path of development.
The study findings were published in the September 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.