Suicide is a problem that does not discriminate. It’s the 10th leading cause of deaths in the United States, according to the Centers For Disease and Control Prevention. Now The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that numbers show suicide has become the second leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers.
To fight the problem, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines for doctors to routinely screen teens for suicidal thoughts and risk factors. Those factors include: family history of suicide, mood disorders, questioning on sexual orientation, and history of physical or sexual abuse. Bullying is also a huge factor for teen suicide, and many teens suffer in silence, according to psychologists.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also cites the lack of parental interest as another potential trigger for teen suicide. Many children grow up in divorced households. For others, both of their parents work, and their families spend limited time together. According to one study, 90% of suicidal teens believed their families did not understand them. Young people also reported that when they tried to tell their parents about their feelings of unhappiness or failure, their mother and father denied or ignored their point of view.
Doctors advise parents talk to their children often and get to know their children’s friends who may be able to give warning signs about suicidal thoughts or bullying. Parents are also encouraged to jot down the number for The National Suicide Prevention Hotline. It can be accessed 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
