Suicide Signs

Описание: Nearly 3,000 people committed suicide last year in Florida. Health experts say one of the age groups most at risk for suicide is between the ages of 10 to 25.

Heather Payne, a pediatric bereavement coordinator with Golisano Children’s Hospital, says stressful situations, public humiliation, or a significant loss could lead a teenager to suicide. “It appears to be a mounting problem and it’s certainly a cause of concern in the community.”

Payne says there are certain suicidal behaviors parents and friends need to be aware of. “If you notice behavior changes, or if your child or teenager is saying things like, oh you would be better off if I was not here, or I wish I was dead.”

Other things to notice are reckless behaviors, withdrawing from friends and activities, and giving away possessions. She says teenagers often experience severe anxiety and depression they don’t know how to cope with. “90 percent of people who complete suicide do have some form of mental illness at the time. They don’t have the capacity to realize that these situations can pass and that life will get better. Everything is in the moment and they feel like they can’t get out of their pain,” said Payne.

For teenagers, she says video games and TV can also have an impact on how they view death. “You get more lives in video games. If you’re killed you get another life. So, the permanence of taking your life is often lost on them,” said Payne.

Anyone can get to the point of thinking about suicide, so it’s important to recognize the signs. “Anyone can be the person who makes the difference,” said Payne.


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