In recent months we have taken steps forward in visualizing the harsh reality of adolescent suicide. Yes, it exists and talking about it is necessary. Youth series like "For thirteen reasons" They have focused on it, but the taboos still exist.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds (WHO, 2013). In recent years these figures have continued to rise, and especially among children aged 10 to 14 years. The data leaves no room for doubt, we must talk about it. We must know the dangers, in order to face them. In this case, prevention and knowing behavioral guidelines that should alert us, becomes essential.
In Spain the figures are just as harsh, 10 people commit suicide a day. Of every 10 people, 7 are men, so the differences between the sexes are very relevant. The causes of these differences are varied, highlighting among them the coping resources and the greater female capacity to put feelings into words. These characteristics have a great social component, therefore, emotional education at an early age and without distinction of sexes, is an essential pillar to be able to begin to combat this danger as children grow older.
But this reality in our country is covered, plunged under a great social stigma. Suicides are hidden under "occupational accidents", "unspecified causes of death", and so on. We don't want to talk about it it is a taboo subject. Shame, guilt, remorse, rejection, misunderstanding… all can appear, but none help us to diminish this phenomenon.
It is not only a social taboo, it is also a political taboo. The absence of effective policies aimed at reducing the number of people who choose to commit suicide is striking. European countries implement prevention policies in schools and the media, our country is still far from it. The belief in the imitation effect has a strong hold, and stops prevention campaigns. It is true, if the information through the media is not treated adequately, we will not achieve the objectives of reduction and awareness, but does the solution pass not to mention such a present reality? Perhaps training professionals in transmitting such sensitive information can be more useful?
Some alarm signals that family and friends should have in mind in the prevention of adolescent suicide are:
- Talk about death. Ideations with death such as "I would like to disappear", "I would jump to not be here", or some type of self-harm, etc.
- Have a recent loss. Having lost a relative, divorces, breakups, etc.
- Low self-esteem. Visible by his loss of interest in the things that previously motivated him, negative phrases about himself or his future, etc.
- Change in personality and behavior. Sad, withdrawn, difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, etc.
- Increased or decreased appetite.
- Fear of losing control. Belief that you cannot control yourself or your world.
- Have no hope for your own future. Verbalize that your future is meaningless, or that you have no future.
Suicide is a complex phenomenon and difficult to predict accurately that young people finally made the decision to commit suicide. However, it is important to detect these risk factors early. Only through proper treatment, through mental health professionals, can we dramatically reduce the risk. The decrease in mood, together with other factors such as low self-esteem or changes in behavioral patterns, should be enough to ask for help. If our son is not able to request it, it is important that we do it for him and with him.
Communication with our children is important at any stage of their lives, however, in adolescence it is even more so. The many great biological and psychological changes they begin to undergo make them vulnerable. Feeling heard, understood and loved will allow them to have the resources to request help or allow others to help request it for them.