National Suicide Prevention Month is celebrated in September

Grief is an understandable reaction to loss. You experience emotional pain when something or someone you care about is taken away from you. Loss can be excruciatingly painful at times. From shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and deep sadness, you may experience a wide range of difficult and unexpected emotions. Grief can hurt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think clearly.

Losing loved ones can be one of life's most terrible events. This kind of grief is enough to send a person into a tumultuous mood. In National suicide prevention month awareness must be created among people. A young person's death is always terrible. When a teen decides to terminate their life, the consequences for their family, friends, and community can be catastrophic. It might be tough to talk about and cope with suicide, but teen suicide is a significant issue that should not be overlooked. Learning about the risk factors for suicide ideation and what can lead to it can help parents and professionals intervene and help a struggling youngster.

Statistics of Suicide cases

Suicide is the second most common cause of death among people aged 15 to 24, accounting for 18% of all deaths in this age range. According to recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, these figures are at an all-time high. Suicide claimed the lives of 5,016 males and 1225 females aged 15 to 24 in 2017.

Suicide Attempts and outcomes

Although most teenagers go through some form of "teen angst," it's crucial to understand the variables that put some teenagers at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts. Suicide attempts are more common among youth with mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar illness. Other considerations include:

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Abuse of alcohol or drugs

• A significant life shift

• Being bullied

• Suicide in the family

• A past suicide attempt

• Trauma (physical, sexual, or mental abuse)

• A lack of support from family, friends, or the community

• Feelings of loneliness

There are signs to look for that may indicate that a teen is considering suicide, in addition to identifying teens who are at a higher risk of suicide.

• Isolation from family and friends

• Giving away possessions

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Engaging in risky behaviors

• Losing interest in activities that the teen used to enjoy

So, what can parents, family members, and friends do if they suspect a young person is thinking about suicide in their lives? Know the risk factors, keep an eye out for warning signs, and most importantly, communicate.Many teens who are thinking about suicide will give some warning to get help. Pay attention to your adolescent. Any indication that a teen is struggling with suicidal thoughts is cause for concern. Some of the following or similar claims made by a teenager should be taken seriously.

• "I wish I could sleep for a long time without waking up."

• "If I weren't here, everything would be better."

• "It won't be long before you have to come to terms with me."

When confronted with such statements, try to remain nonjudgmental. Even if it's uncomfortable, pay attention to and hear what the youth has to say. Instead of shutting down the conversation, encourage the kids to keep talking. Make it clear to the teen that you care about them and are ready to listen. Reassure them without downplaying their feelings, and don't be afraid to seek professional assistance right away.