Landers, A. (1988, September). "How to spot a teen suicide risk." Boston Globe.

OVERVIEW

According to Ann Landers, "One out of every four teenagers will attempt suicide before he or she is sixteen. Every minute of every hour a teenager attempts suicide. Every day, thirty-three kids will succeed."

WARNING SIGNS

• Sudden change in behavior.
• Dramatic change in appetite.
• Sleeping difficulties.
• Poor performance in school.
• Trouble concentrating, agitation, inability to sit still.
• Unexplained loss of energy.
• Increased drug or alcohol use.
• Constant feeling of worthlessness or self-hatred.
• Excessive risk taking.
• Preoccupation with death.
• Giving away personal or prized possessions.

Landers continues, "It doesn’t take someone who has attempted suicide to realize that a friend has these symptoms, but it takes a true friend to reach out and try to help."

IMPLICATIONS

• Teen suicide statistics never seem to improve. It is important to review the symptoms from time to time, particularly if you have a lot of involvement with young people.
• Do not become exasperated if a teen exhibits only one of the listed symptoms. In most cases, it takes two or three warning signals to tip off a possible tendency toward suicide.
• Suicide seems an easy answer to the teen. What he or she does not realize is the finality of the act. Youth workers need to emphasize that side of the issue.
• Self-esteem, self-image, and self-acceptance will be very low in a suicidal teen. Part of helping teens is teaching them to love themselves and see that they have worth.
• Youth leaders have the best answer for suicidal teens. The ultimate sacrifice has already been paid for them. Communicate this message to young people and start edifying them through understanding, acceptance, and friendship.

Anne Montague cCYS