Suicidal Tendencies amongst Adolescents
I. INTRODUCTION
“Death is always considered a forbidden topic. One would rarely find people happily engaging in a conversation about death. Some people even say that ‘talking about death, is like giving it an invitation. So no one ever wants to talk about death because death is sad. And when someone dies because they themselves choose to take their life it is devastating. Suicide is the second leading cause of death – following motor vehicle accidents – among teenagers and young adults. On average, adolescents aged 15 to 19 years have an annual suicide rate of about 1 in 10,000 people. Among youths 12 to 16 year of age, up to 10% of boys and 20% of girls have considered suicide. Gay and lesbian adolescents are more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Suicide rates are 5 to 7 times higher among First Nations and Inuit teens.
II. OBJECTS OF THE STUDY
The teen years are an anxious and unsettling period as boys and girls face the difficulties of transition into adulthood. It is a period in life that is often confusing, leaving teens feeling isolated from family or peers. Unfortunately, some may at one point or another perceive suicide as a permanent answer to problems that are more often than not just temporary. The selfdoubts, confusion, and pressures to succeed or conform can come at a high price for troubled adolescents.
The object of this study is to understand the reasons that push an adolescent towards suicide. Also, to highlight the
warning signs and behavioral changes to watch out. Girls generally attempt suicide more often than boys, but boys are about 4 times more likely to die from the suicide attempt. This is because the methods that boys choose – often using firearms or hanging – are more lethal than those chosen by girls, namely drug overdoses or cutting themselves.
III. SCOPE
Controlling the growing number of suicides among teenagers is a big challenge for the police and society. The psychologists also expressed concerned that it is the result of is the result of high expectation from parents. In the last few days, more than a dozen teenagers have either committed suicide or made a bid to end their lives due to reasons like stress, scolding from parents and isolation. A common observation behind suicidal tendencies among teenagers was high aspirations from parents and the peer pressure.