Federal health officials report in a 2006 study that the suicide rate among preteen and teenage girls rose to its highest level in a decade. This statistic affects girls from ages 10 - 14 years of age. The preferred method of suicide was hanging or suffocation (71%) which surpassed guns. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death. Every 15 minutes someone tries to take their own life and there are over 800,000 attempts a year.
Warning signs
This is a wake-up call for parents to become more aware of their children's emotional needs and the pressures that they face daily. Dr. Keri Lubell who led the study states, "Parents and other caring adults should look for changes in youth such as talking about taking one's life, feeling sad or hopeless about the future. Also look for changes in eating or sleeping habits, and even losing the desire to take part in favorite activities."
Interventions
The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising that health officials consider focusing on suicide prevention programs for girls 10 - 19 and boys between 15 -19 years of age to reverse these startling statistics. They also suggest that parents monitor or restrict children's access to pills, weapons, or other lethal means of self-harm.
Another important intervention would be to stay emotionally connected to your child by being involved in their school activities, friends, and academics. You can also plan family time together or special outings together to keep your relationships strong. Families that center their life on their faith and church have a strong foundation of love that also helps them endure the trials of life. If you see that your child is struggling and drifting from your family system, you may want to seek professional help as an intervention. Counseling could help your child cope with their anxiety and depression which can bring hope to the whole family.
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