Suicide threats not just passing phase

Suicidal tendencies in adolescents are often misinterpreted as a “passing phase” or common characteristics of adolescent development. Some parents dismiss suicide threats as manipulative tactics, born out of immaturity. Education about suicide can be life saving.

According to the Depression and Anxiety Support Group (DASG) statistics suggest that only one in ten children who make suicide threats will carry them out. They warn, however, that it cannot be predicted who will, or under what circumstances these threats may actually lead to a suicide attempt.

As a child gets older, suicide attempts become increasingly serious and at the same time, more likely to succeed.

It is often difficult to recognise suicidal ideation. It is rare for children to discuss their suicidal thoughts with others. In those children who do not verbalise their self-destructive thoughts, suicidal tendencies are best recognised by marked mood and behavioural changes that may have been observed by family and friends.

According to the DASG, behavioural changes to look out for in troubled teens include:

• declining school performance
  
• extreme behaviour and mood change (persistent depression)
  
• loss of previous interests
  
• risk-taking behaviour
  
• drug or alcohol use
  
• social withdrawal
  
• a break in a key relationship

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Antidepressants may curb suicides in elderly   Teens’ body image tied to risk of suicide   Anxiety disorders increase risk of suicidal thoughts   Talk therapy reduces repeat suicide attempts   Past suicide attempt linked to seizure risk   Impulsivity, alcohol linked to suicide   Sunny May the month for suicides   China facing epidemic of suicide, depression   Danger signals of suicide   Swiss hospital to allow patients to commit suicide   Suicidal Behavior Different from Suicide Attempts   Public health messages help prevent suicide   Drug therapy appears to lower suicide risk   Suicide risk factors in bipolar disorder identified   Suicide Attempts

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