Teenage Suicide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

juvenile Suicide - Essay ExampleSuicide is the third leading cause of death for juvenility and adolescents ages 15-24 old age old, indicating that all in all youth ar at great risk for self-destruction (American Association of Suicidology 1). Suicide is directly the fourth leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10-14 (Crosby 2). Suicide can affect all youth regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status however, there have been rapid increases within special ethnic groups. In order to address this issue among our high school age students, it is important to consider who is at greatest risk, to identify risk factors, and to identify potential protective factors. Additionally, self-annihilation prevention and untimely interference programs implemented in schools should be assessed regarding their effectiveness. What is not effective should be modified accordingly. Ethnic Differences European American, African American, Hispanic, and Native American youth ar e all affected by suicide. Suicide among our youth is most prevalent for white males (Crosby, 5). According to the Centers for Disease Control, 73% of all suicides involving adults are white males. However, in the last two decades, among African American male youth ages 10-14, suicide range have tripled and for ages 15-19 the suicide rate has doubled (Capuzzi 38). Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control has- identified that the Hispanic youth suicide rate is increasing. Furthermore, their rates of suicide ideation and attempts are increasing at staggering numbers (ODonnell et al., 39-40). Native American youth as well as have history of a high rate of suicide attempts (Capuzzi, 38). Although the European American population has ever represented the highest proportion of suicides among all ethnic groups, it is important to view all of our youth, regardless of ethnicity, as at-risk, considering the new-fangled changes in suicide statistics in the last decade. Different facto rs contribute to the reasons for suicide attempts for each ethnic group. This inescapably to be considered when creating an effective youth suicide prevention and early intervention program. Currently, European American youth are the primary recipients of crisis intervention dealing with suicide in contrast with their Hispanic peers who are to the lowest degree likely to receive interventions (Kataoka, Stein, Leiberman, & Wong, 1444). This may be influencing the increases in suicide attempts and completions among this demographic group. Risk Factors for Suicide at that place has not been a specific profile created to early identify all youth at risk for suicide ideation or suicide attempts. The literature does suggest, however, that there are some common identifying characteristics to consider, although alone they are not indicators. Some common characteristics of youth may warrant the attention of adults to better evaluate these students for suicide ideation. Since suicide is th e third leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States, it is key to train the lodge to identify those at risk. Stressors youth are dealing with may be the trigger for suicide attempts, which are often impulsive responses by youth to escape their problems (Crosby 2). The impulsivity of the act further indicates the need for early intervention among youth dealing with dramatic or life-impacting circumstances. Research has noted some behaviors that may be exhibited by a youth who has suicide ideation. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, the lack of concern for own(prenominal) welfare, social changes, decline in school performance, including attendance patterns, change in eating and sleeping habits, a new preoccupation with violence and death, increased sexually promiscuity, and other risky behaviors, including substance use (Capuzzi, 40 Guo & Harstall, 11-15). Not all