In addition to the following information on teen suicide, the counseling office has provided the following information to help you cope with difficult times: The Threat of Terrorism and Assisting a Grieving Friend.

Teen Suicide

What would you do if one of your friends threatened to commit suicide? Would you laugh it off? Would you assume that the threat was just a joke or a way of getting attention? Would you be shocked and tell him not to say things like that? Would you ignore it?

If you reacted in any of those ways you might be missing an opportunity to save a life, perhaps the life of someone who is very close and important to you. You might later find yourself saying, "I didn't believe she was serious," or "I never thought he'd really do it."

Suicide is a major cause of death among teenagers. Among 14 to 24 year olds in the United States, there are at least 18 completed suicides per day and over 6,500 per year. There are 57 attempts per hour and over 1,000 attempts per day. Although it is difficult to get an accurate count because many suicides are covered up or reported as accidents, suicide is now thought to be the second leading cause of death among young people.

If someone you know is suicidal, your ability to recognize the signs and your willingness to do something about it could make the difference between life and death.

Danger Signs

No doubt you have heard that people who talk about suicide won't really do it. It isn't true. Before committing suicide, people often make direct statements about their intention to end their lives, or less direct comments about how they might as well be dead or that their friends and family would be better off without them. Suicide threats and similar statements should always be taken seriously. They are a real sign of danger.

People who have tried to kill themselves before, even if their attempts didn't seem very serious, are also at risk. Unless they are helped they may try again, and the next time the result might be fatal. Four out of five persons who commit suicide have made at least one previous attempt.

Perhaps someone you know has suddenly begun to act very differently or seems to have taken on a whole new personality. The shy person becomes a thrill-seeker. The outgoing person becomes withdrawn, unfriendly and disinterested. When such changes take place for no apparent reason or persist for a period of time, it may be a clue to impending suicide.

Making final arrangements is another possible indication of suicidal risk. In young people, such arrangements often include giving away treasured personal possessions, such as a favorite object or CD collection.

Get Help

Whenever you think that someone you know is in danger of suicide, get help. Suggest that he or she talk with a counselor, sympathetic teacher, coach, clergyman, or other adult you respect. You could also suggest they call the Singapore SOS suicide prevention center at (toll free) 1-800-221-4444 or at 6221-4444. If your friend refuses, take it upon yourself to talk with an SAS counselor for advice on handling the situation. If it's a weekend or evening, please call your counselor, the school nurse, or your favorite teacher at home and ask for help.

In some cases you may find yourself in the position of having to get direct help for someone who is suicidal and refuses to go for counseling. If so, do it. Don't be afraid of appearing disloyal. Many people who are suicidal have given up hope. They no longer believe they can be helped. They feel it is useless. The truth is, they can be helped. With time, most suicidal people can be restored to full and happy living. But when they are feeling hopeless, their judgment is impaired. They can't see a reason to go on living. In that case, it is up to you to use your judgment to see that they get the help they need. What at the time may appear to be an act of disloyalty or the breaking of a confidence could turn out to be the favor of a lifetime. Your courage and willingness to help could save a life.

Additional Resources

Suicide Prevention
FAQ on suicide, symptoms of depression and suicidal danger signs, most common misconceptions about suicide, what students should do if a friend had depression, what hospitalization does for depressives and a recommended reading list.

Information on Depression 
Provided by the National Institute of Mental Health