Remove the Mask
Every 100 Minutes a Youth Dies from Suicide
Know the Risk Factors and Causes of Youth Suicide
Youth suicide is not caused by any one factor, but likely by a combination of them. Depression can play a massive role in teenage suicide. Some contributing factors include:
- Eating Disorders
- Drug Abuse
- Sexual abuse/rape
- Divorce of parents
- Trauma
- Household financial problems
- Being bullied
- Social rejection
- Anger/guilt
- Relationship breakup
- Major Illness
- Disability/deformations
- Domestic violence or abuse
- Academic failure in school and grade retention
- Loneliness
- Feelings of being misunderstood
- Insecurities
- Extreme mood swings
- Loss/Death of a loved one
- Mental disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Body Dysmorphic disorder, and Schizophrenia
According to one study, 90% of suicidal teenagers believed their families did not understand them. Depression is the most common cause of suicide. About 75% of those individuals who die from suicide are depressed. Depression is caused by a number of factors, from chemical imbalances to psychological make-up to environmental influences. Please note depression is not just expressed internally, it can also be expressed outwardly as anger.
Suicide Warning Signs:
- Threatening to hurt or kill one self or talking about wanting to hurt or kill one self
- Looking for ways to kill one self by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities—seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped—like there’s no way out
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
Take a step in helping yourself or someone else…
If you or someone you know is showing signs of suicide or experiencing difficulty in coping with risk factors, please dial 911 or contact the suicide prevention life line number 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Also, please add these numbers to your contact list, you never know when you might need them.
I am a man
I am a student
I am strong
I am weak
I am a light in someone’s life
A spot in another
I am a son, a nephew, a cousin, a friend
I am the start and the end
I am black
I am American
I am human
I am matter, atoms and all
Though I am part of the universe
I am small
I am me
I am Kelvin
I am…