By 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mental health problems will be the leading cause of disability worldwide. There are some well-structured plans to address this situation.
Raising awareness throughout society is a priority, which is why World Suicide Prevention Day was commemorated on September 10th with a call to work without delay on preventive strategies and actions for this problem, also among young people.
Many activities were carried out globally with the aim of raising awareness among governments, organizations, educational centers, and professionals. “Changing the narrative” was the motto of these days.
As the Americas face a 17 percent increase in suicide deaths since 2000—the only region in the world to see an increase—the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launched a new initiative to reverse this trend. Announced on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, the initiative aims to save lives by providing countries with practical, evidence-based interventions.
In 2021, more than 100,000 people in the Americas died by suicide. While rising rates in North America are one of the main factors driving this trend, countries in the Southern Cone also show significant growth. With Caribbean nations continuing to report the highest suicide mortality rates in the region.
Annually, 727,000 people take their own lives worldwide, and many more attempt suicide. Suicides can occur at any age and were the third most common cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 worldwide in 2021. Every suicide is a profound tragedy that affects individuals, families, and communities. It must be kept in mind that young people constantly face stressful challenges in their own lives and in the world around them.
What causes teenagers to attempt suicide?
Research shows that half of all mental illnesses begin before the age of 14, but in most cases, they go undetected and untreated. Regarding the burden of disease among adolescents, depression ranks third. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among this population group is a major problem in many countries and can lead to dangerous behaviors. Another problem is eating disorders.
Stage of Change, Environmental Conflicts, and Use of New Technologies
Adolescence is a stressful developmental period filled with major changes: bodily changes, changes in thoughts, and changes in feelings. Strong feelings of stress, confusion, fear, and uncertainty, as well as the pressure to succeed and the ability to think about things in new ways, influence a teenager’s problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
For some adolescents, normal developmental changes, when combined with other events or changes in their families, such as divorce or moving to a new community, changing friendships, difficulties at school, or other losses, can be very sad and overwhelming. The problems may seem very difficult or embarrassing to overcome. Taking one’s own life may seem like a solution for some.
The increasing use of online technologies, which undoubtedly brings many benefits, can also create additional stresses, as people are increasingly connected to virtual networks at all times of the day or night. Many teenagers also live in areas affected by economic and social crises, humanitarian emergencies such as conflict, natural disasters, and epidemics. Young people experiencing these situations are particularly vulnerable to distress and mental illness.
Prevention begins with better knowledge.
Prevention begins with knowing and understanding the early signs and symptoms that warn of a disorder. Parents and teachers can help develop skills in children and adolescents that will help them cope with the challenges they will encounter every day at home, at school, and in their surroundings. Psychosocial support can be provided in schools and other community settings, and, of course, the training of health professionals in general can be improved and expanded so that they can detect and treat mental disorders early, especially suicidal behavior.
What are the warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behavior?
Many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also symptoms of depression. Observations of the following behaviors by parents and caregivers can be helpful in identifying adolescents who may be at risk for suicide:
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family members
- Inappropriate behaviors and running away
- Alcohol and drug use
- Neglect of personal appearance
- Unnecessary risk-taking
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- Increased physical complaints that are often associated with emotional distress, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue
- Loss of interest in school or schoolwork
- Feeling bored
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling like they want to die
- Lack of response to praise
- Displaying plans, behaviors, and attitudes that indicate an intent to end their life, including the following: Verbally expressing “I want to kill myself” or “I’m going to kill myself.” Giving verbal cues such as “I’m not going to be a problem anymore” or “If anything happens to me, I want you to know…” Giving away personal possessions and discarding important belongings. Suddenly cheering up after a period of depression. Writing one or more suicide notes.
Suicidal threats communicate desperation and a cry for help. Always take statements of suicidal feelings, thoughts, behaviors, or plans very seriously. Any child or adolescent who expresses these thoughts should be immediately evaluated by a mental health professional.
Suicide is preventable. The involvement of all sectors of society in integrated youth mental health programs is essential.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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