Suicide
THE NIGHTMARE of SUICIDE
Journal entry
“ I’m surprised I haven’t done it yet because I feel really terrible all the time. I just don’t have any courage but anyone else in my position would have already committed suicide.” Rachel age 15
– the peak age for suicide attempts is 16
– 19% of teens seriously consider suicide
– 6% actually attempt it
– only car accidents claim more teen lives than suicide
– in 90% of suicides there is an underlying psychiatric disorder
– depression is most common
– 50% of male suicides victims have depression
– 70% of female suicides victims have depression
– there has been a 3 fold increase in teen suicides since 1960’s
– girls more likely to attempt suicide (2X)
– boys more likely to succeed (10X)
Why? – increased drug / alcohol use
– breakdown in family
– more “pressured” world
– availability of guns
– suicide is “contagious”
– other suicides result in clusters
– dramatizations of suicide (TV, movies, etc) are frequently followed by increased rate of suicide
– familial (combination of genetics & environment)
Suicide results from a convergence of factors
1. underlying psychiatric disorder
2. predisposition to suicidal thought
3. traumatic event
– most common – relationship problems
– school problems
– trouble with law
– bullying
– pregnancy
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NOL 2BO
Phone: (519) 485-4678
Fax: (519) 485-0281
Email:
info@rickharper.ca
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Parents' Comments
“Rick’s approach is so logical. He helped us clearly define the problem, analyze what has happened and select the best strategy. We now feel empowered to do something positive for our kid”
(A.N. – Tillsonburg)
