Youth Suicide

Young people are increasingly vulnerable to suicide. Although suicide is an uncomfortable topic for parents and families to discuss with their children, it is the lack of discussion that continues to stigmatize and isolate young people. Many youth believe that their thoughts of death are abnormal and they feel shame when discussing these thoughts with family and friends. As a result, these youth do not to talk to family and friends when they are contemplating taking their own lives so there is no means or opportunity for intervention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among other agencies, considers youth suicide a major public health concern and believes that more discussion and education need to be undertaken with sensitivity and insight to provide resources and support for youth who have attempted suicide or contemplated it.

After reading “Suicide Prevention: Youth Suicide,” consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

Question 1

For youth 10 to 24 years old, suicide is the __________ leading cause of death.

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D.

Question 2

What is the primary method of suicide used by young people?

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D.

Question 3

How many young people receive medical care each year for self-inflicted injuries?

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How many young people receive medical care each year for self-inflicted injuries?

Question 4

What is one possible reason that Native American youth are at the highest risk for suicide?
Answers will vary. One possibility: The isolation and insulation of the Native American culture may not permit outside health care and mental health professionals to provide educational resources and training to screen for risk factors of suicide.

Question 5

The article lists several risk factors for suicide. List one method of suicide prevention based on these risk factors.
Answers will vary. One possibility: Remove all firearms or weapons in the home if an identified risk factor is easy access to a lethal means of ending one’s life.

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