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Suicide Rate Highest for Teen Girls
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| Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 | Robert Seith and Emily Halevy | CWK Producer |
“One of the worst things [parents] can do is say it’s just a phase and they’ll grow out of it, because the depression will get deeper and deeper. The problems will become greater and greater as you let time go on.”
– Rudy Kalain, adolescent drug treatment counselor
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported an alarming new statistic about teen suicide. For the first time in decades, the suicide rate for teenagers is going up. There is one group of kids more vulnerable than any other.
Thirteen-year old Leanna knows how it feels to be depressed.
“I think it’s when a lot of stress and a lot of sadness and all this kind of stuff builds up, where it just affects your emotions and you don’t want to do anything,” says Leanna.
For a long time, Leanna suffered silently.
“I think once you have depression, it’s hard to kind of get rid of, but you can make it so unnoticeable,” says Leanna.
Depression is the leading cause of suicide, experts say, and, according to the CDC, the suicide rate is rising fastest among 10- to 14-year-old girls -- up 76 percent from 2003 to 2004.
“It’s interesting, because in childhood, depression is about equal between girls and boys. When you get to adolescence, girls are more at risk for developing depression than boys,” says Dr. Sharon Y. Jones, psychiatrist.
Experts say girls are especially vulnerable in the middle school years.
“You know sometimes the person you were best friends with all through elementary school just becomes more mature and they’re not your friend anymore and that can be traumatic. The hormones are changing and they’re growing up. They want to be thought of as teenagers and yet sometimes they’re really little kids at heart,” says Gay Madden, counselor.
Experts say if you sense your child is sad, tired, hopeless, and/or no longer interested in activities, it could be clinical depression.
“If the parent has a gut feeling that the person is depressed, I would say go with that feeling and get professional help,” says Rudy Kalain, adolescent drug treatment counselor.
“One of the worst things [parents] can do is say, it’s just a phase and they’ll grow out of it, because the depression will get deeper and deeper. The problems will become greater and greater as you let time go on,” says Kalain.
Leanna is in counseling now and says it’s making a difference.
“I mean there’s always hope; if you ever give up on that, it’s probably going to be a really sad life,” says Leanna.
Tips for Parents
- A teenager who is contemplating suicide may complain of being a bad person or feeling “rotten inside.” (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
- Some teens will give verbal hints with statements such as “I won’t be a problem for you much longer,” “Nothing matters,” “It’s no use,” and “I won’t see you again.” (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
- A teen contemplating suicide may put his/her affairs in order by giving away favorite possessions, cleaning his/her room or throwing away important belongings. Others may become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression or show signs of psychosis. (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
- If you believe your child may be thinking about suicide, ask the child directly or seek professional help. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death, but asking a child if he/she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Such questions may assure the child that someone cares and will give him/her the chance to talk about problems. Talking can lead to healing. (Dr. Paul Schenk, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)
- If your child admits to suicidal feelings, don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you. Be willing to listen. Allow for the expression of your child’s thoughts and accept that the child may very well feel that way. (American Association of Suicidology)
- Don’t be judgmental, or debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or lecture on the value of life. Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance. (American Association of Suicidology)
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support and seek help. Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. (American Association of Suicidology)
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
- American Association of Suicidology
