Tips On Youth Suicide Prevention: Ocean County Health Dept.

The Ocean County Health Department wants the public to recognize how they can prevent youth suicides. The OCHD provided tips to parents and youth who might need help.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 14 people between ages 10 and 24 died by suicide from 2013-15 in Ocean County. Ocean County had one of the three highest rates in New Jersey for suicide attempts and self-inflicted injuries during that span in that age group, the AFSP said. The state total jumped to 283 cases in that two-year period.

"It's become another public health issue with too many sad endings," said OCHD Public Health Coordinator Daniel E. Regenye. "However, research has shown suicide deaths can be preventable."

The key is promoting the work of suicide prevention and mental-health awareness, Regenye says. He indicates it's also important to educate pediatricians, primary health care providers, school personnel and families of the warning signs.

Symptoms may not be easy for parents to detect. Divorce, remarriage, relationship problems and an influential social media environment are just some of the challenges that create emotional upheaval for many young people, the OCHD said.

"Help is available," said OCHD Chief of Administrative Services Kimberly Reilly. "Young people need to be encouraged to speak with a trusted adult or call a suicide prevention hotline if they feel overwhelmed, depressed or are having suicidal thoughts."

Parents concerned their child may suffer from depression or suicidal tendencies must immediately seek professional help, Reilly said.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of teen depression include the following emotional and behavior changes:

Emotional Changes

• Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason
• Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
• Feeling hopeless or empty
• Irritable or annoyed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
• Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Behavioral Changes

• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
• Social isolation
• Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
• Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
• Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors
• Self-harm — for example, cutting, burning, or excessive piercing or tattooing
• Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt

"Earlier detection means earlier treatment," Regenye said. "That's why it is so important for parents, loved ones and educators to keep an eye out for the signs of depression or any other mental health concerns."

To learn more about youth suicide, or for links to suicide prevention websites and hotlines, visit ochd.org.

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