Youth and Suicide

Youth and Suicide

YOUTH AND SUICIDE

There are times in life when we

Would like to die temporarily.

--Mark Twain

Adolescence is a time of storm and stress. Most of us remember the pain of that time in our lives. For some, the pain takes the form of suicidal ideation, a suicide attempt, or the act of suicide itself. Suicide became a permanent answer to a temporary set of problems. If only they had waited. If only they had sought help. If only they had talked to someone. If only.

The following questions concern youth and suicide. Think of these issues and be prepared to participate in a discussion regarding them.

1. Youth have all sorts of emotional issues. The issues, I think, that are the most severe and important include:

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2. Not all youth who commit suicide are depressed, but many are. What do you think are the main causes of depression among teenagers?

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3. Many young people have suicidal ideation from time to time. It is a big step from thinking to doing, however. Have you known a young person who has committed suicide? What were your thoughts at hearing of their death? thoughts now on suicide?

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4. How might you counsel a class where a classmate has committed suicide? How might you counsel a family who has lost a young son to a self-inflicted gunshot and has died? How might you explain to a younger brother that an older sister committed suicide?

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5. If you had but one thing to say to a teenager considering suicide, what would it be? What would you say if you had five minutes with a young teenager who was holding a gun to his head and told you:” “Tell me why I shouldn't pull this trigger and die now?”

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