Once it is recognized that an adolescent is suicidal, it is very important that measures be taken to prevent the adolescent from carrying out the act of suicide. One may help by assisting the adolescent verbalize what the problem is, giving comfort to him or her, and by simply listening to what he or she has to say. When it is found that an adolescent is suicidal, immediate treatment must be sought. If a suicide attempt has already occurred, hospitalization may be necessary. If the adolescent has not attempted suicide but has suicidal thoughts, then counseling may be necessary. Once the adolescent is not considering suicide, it is important to determine from where the suicidal thoughts stem. When confronted with suicidal behaviors, it is important that a few steps be followed. The first thing to do is believe the signs when they are presented. Next, one must check things out to see if others have noticed the same attitudes. Being calm when dealing with the situation is very important. If the adolescent senses distress, it will drive him or her further into a state of fear. Listen to the thoughts of the adolescent and do not make judgement calls. Showing a genuine concern for the individual will allow the to place more trust in you. Getting help for the suicidal adolescent is very important. If there is a high risk of suicide, never leave the person by him or herself.
Suicide is a very big problem in today s adolescent culture. With the implementation of various programs for education about suicide, it will one day vanish as a plague against youth. The ability of teachers and other adults recognize the signs of suicide and the protocol of dealing with suicide will give all adolescents a better quality of life. The adolescent must be willing to share his or her feelings with those around, therefore the person confronting him or her must be compassionate and trustworthy. Eventually through prevention methods and education about suicide it will not be seen as an acceptable way of dealing with one s problems.
Davis, John M., and Jonathan Sandoval. Suicidal Youth. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1991.
Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP). Adolescent Suicide. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Incorporation, 1996.
Hill, Kate. The Long Sleep: Young People and Suicide. London: Virago Press, 1995.
Lester, David, Ph.D. The Cruelest Death: The Enigma of Adolescent Suicide. Philadelphia: The Charles Press, 1993.
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Robbins, Paul R. Adolescent Suicide. North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 1998.