Adolescent suicide is rated as the third-leading cause of death among individuals that fall between the ages of 15 to 19. This trend, however, according to pundits can reversed through early screening for depression, suicidal behavior and ideation. The American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical report Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents notes that there are several signs and symptoms that re exhibited by suicidal adolescents. These are depression, low self esteem, withdrawal from social circles, suicide thoughts and aggressive behavior.
This vice can be prevented early enough through primary, secondary and tertiary methods. Suicide in Children and Adolescents by Robert King and Allan Apter notes that primary, secondary and tertiary methods are effective if properly implemented. The primary methods entail the early sensitization of adolescent suicide. The adolescents can have their school curriculum incorporate studies or programs on adolescent suicide. The different societal stakeholders such as churches, sports club and NGO’s can offer sensitization platforms for the adolescents.
The secondary preventive methods on the other hand attempt to work with adolescents who are at risk of attempting suicide. These programs can be effective through counseling and sessions in the school or societal setting. The adolescents can join peer groups with reformed at risk youths and learn from them how to overcome the vice. Tertiary programs tend to focus on reduction of the recurrence risk among the adolescents noted to have attempted suicide. These programs can be implemented via counseling programs and psychiatric sessions. In the counseling sessions the adolescents can be taught on how best to suppress these tendencies from ever recurring.
The best way to assist an adolescent that is depressed beyond referring the adolescent to a state or community resource is through antidepressant medication. This should include a follow up by a mental health professional or hospitalization for effective monitoring. The interventions should be tailor-made according the adolescent needs. The medical facilities that hospitalize suicidal adolescents should be equipped with personnel that can manage both medical and psychiatric needs of the adolescent.
References
King, R. A., & Apter, A. (2003). Suicide in children and adolescents. Cambridge ; New York: Cambridge University Press.
