Teenage Suicide On the Rise: Article Warns of Causes & Concerns

Teenage suicide is always a tragedy that breaks the hearts of entire communities. Despite all the efforts to prevent teenage suicide, it is painfully difficult to spot the warning signs and know what causes young adults to take their own lives. As such, the rate of teenage suicides seems to be increasing, according to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC data in recent studies show:

• 70% of teenagers in America are sleep deprived, which may increase the risk of major depression.
• Nearly 14% of high schoolers have seriously considered committing suicide.
• Nearly 11% of high schoolers have created a “plan” to commit suicide.
• About 6% of high schoolers have attempted suicide.
• Suicide is the second-leading cause of death of people aged 15 to 24.

There are many suspected reasons why teenage suicide is on the rise. The truth is likely not that one factor is causing the tragic increase, but instead a combination of them all.

Three of the worst factors that may contribute to teen suicide rates are:

• Bullying: The United States Department of Justice estimates 25% of teenage students have been consistently bullied or cyberbullied. It also estimates 8% of teenage students are hesitant to go to school because of bullying.
• Despair: General despair caused by the overall state of society and the world also seems to be increasing in younger generations. Many teenagers are seeing Millennials struggle to find financial footing, even with full-time employment, and it might weigh heavily on them. The continually rising divorce rate, paired with the declining marriage rate, may also create a worry of isolation in older ages.
• Shame: Perhaps the most dangerous cause of teenage depression on the rise is a pervading and unfair sense of shame many feel when they want to open up about mental health concerns and depression. Without having a healthy outlet to vent and regain control of emotions, suicide risk can increase.

Preventing Teenage Suicide Requires Community Effort

Attorney Jacqueline Harounian of Wisselman, Harounian & Associates on Long Island understands the importance of togetherness and compassion to overcome suicidal tendencies. She has been working with volunteer groups to help people in need throughout her communities, including the Long Island Crisis Center (LICC) as a counselor assistant. She has also written a full article — Suicide: Behind Closed Doors — about teenage suicide, how to prevent it, and where to volunteer. You can read it by clicking here. Please be sure to share it with others who may benefit from the knowledge.

Would you like to know more about Attorney Harounian and her work as an attorney who handles cyberbullying and social media law cases? You can contact our law firm today to request a consultation.