krsna Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 Teen Suicide <!-- end .post-top --><!-- the main section of the post goes here --> Jusaniya devi dasi: Vaisnavas C. A. R. E. Ask a Nurse a Question: “I was very sad when I read about another ISKCON youth in our movement who committed suicide. How unfortunate for his family, especially his mother. Being the mother of teenagers, can you please explain what brings one so young to the point of suicide and what are the signs we, as parents, should be looking for”? Answer: (Compiled by Sangita devi dasi, RN, CHPN, Certified Hospice Educator) It is difficult to comprehend that suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, according to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Risk factors for suicide in this young population group include substance abuse, depression, and mental illness, such as bipolar disease and schizophrenia. Another risk factor for many includes social isolation. This is caused when children isolate themselves from their peers or other youth ridicule them and subject them to isolation. Young people may be dealing with: *Questioning their sexual identities *Dealing with shame *Lack of acceptance from their families *Bullying from peers and other forms of ridicule from peers *Interpersonal conflicts at school or in their neighborhoods It is not that solutions to some of the problems above do not exist. It is just that young people do not often have the ability to see the answers. The CDC also reports that cultural variations make it more difficult for youth at this age. In fact, Native American/Alaskan Native youth have the highest rates of suicide related fatalities. What is surprising to know is that children as young as 9 years old commit suicide. Children under the age of 12 have not developed problem-solving skills nor have they fully developed verbal skills nor do they have the ability to express their deep innermost feelings. They are dependents and may be fearful of honestly speaking with their parents or other family members about what they are thinking. The most common time for a suicide attempt by a young person is during the after-school hours before parents come home from work. The most common weapon used is a gun which accounts for 47% of completed suicides among people of this age group. Hanging/suffocation accounts for 37% and is increasing in girls ages 10-14 years of age. In addition, poisoning accounts for 8% of completed suicides among the young. Signs to look for in your children and teens: *Feelings of hopelessness *Frequent sadness, tearfulness, and crying *Decreased interest in activities that were previously enjoyable *Chronic medical conditions or constant complaints of being physically ill *Boredom, low energy level *Social isolation *Poor communication *Difficulty with relationships *Low self esteem *Guilt feelings *Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure *Increased irritability *Anger or rage or hostility *Complaints of headaches and/or stomachaches (frequently) *Frequent absences from school *Poor performance in school *Lack of concentration *Major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns *Talk or expressions of self-destructive behavior *Efforts or talk about running away from home *Sudden cheerfulness after a period of depression signaling relief from suffering that has been achieved by a final decision to commit suicide. Remember that most people in general, not just young people, do not usually commit suicide while in a deep depression because they simply do not have the energy to do so. They wait until they are just pulling out of the depression to plan the suicide when energy is back and they are able to complete the plan. Talking with your child at-risk for suicide about suicidal ideation does not cause them to commit suicide, so ask them if they are contemplating suicide, if they have a plan, or if they have access to the means to complete a suicide (for example, if they are planning to shoot themselves, do they have access to a gun). Once a person is identified as a high risk for suicide they should not be left alone. Immediately identify resources in your community. Visit the counselor at your child’s school and find a psychologist in your area who cares for children. He or she will most likely refer you to an inpatient facility for youth at risk for such dangerous self-destruction. Notify your child’s teacher of the problem. According to the ages of your other children at home, gently explain the situation to your other children or other members in the family so all are aware of the danger that is right in front of them. Build a closer family bond. Call a suicide hotline in your community for other resources and information. The number is in your local phone book. Call your local hospital and ask for the psychiatric department. Please do not wait until your child attempts suicide to find the resources right in your neighborhood. Get help now. Keep making calls until you receive the right type of assistance for your child or teen. If you have any stories or advice you would like to share with our readers, please send them to jusaniya@vaisnavascare.com They will remain anonymous if you desire. Thank you very much. You could help to save a precious life today. Your servant, Sangita devi dasi On behalf of the V-CARE Volunteer Team Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vraja1 Posted July 6, 2008 Report Share Posted July 6, 2008 From what I have learned, the Vedic scriptures say that one medicine for suicide contemplation is praising the person and pointing out the person's good qualities. Those who commit suicide have to take birth as ghosts because the person took away their own body, which was not theirs to take away, and actually belongs to Krsna who gave it to them to use for devotion. Therefore, they are not given another body for some time afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svarupa Posted July 6, 2008 Report Share Posted July 6, 2008 Per popuation, ISKCON hs a very high suicide rate among its Gurukuli youth in America, yet not one has taken their own life in Australia, what is your answer to that ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jinglebells Posted July 6, 2008 Report Share Posted July 6, 2008 Per popuation, ISKCON hs a very high suicide rate among its Gurukuli youth in America, yet not one has taken their own life in Australia, what is your answer to that ? That's easy. Very few Iskconites in Australia as compared to USA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bishadi Posted July 6, 2008 Report Share Posted July 6, 2008 What brings one so young to the point of suicide & what are the signs to look for?? Conflicts of knowledge and experience; false material information. It's all of our faults; take responsibility and do something about it. Them children 'expect' us to guide and share knowledge that combines them with what they experience while alive here in 'existence' if we are not pursuing the 'truth' with absolute fearocity; then we less than 'rascals'..... have them call me; rather than pass them off to some Hot Line..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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