CDC Report on teen suicide
Suicidal teenagers who carry out their wish to die choose to suffocate or hang themselves, according to new research released by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Perhaps even more disturbing is that researchers don’t know why.
A March 6 report by the CDC reveals that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24 in the United States. More than 5,000 young people took their own lives in 2012. Suffocations have increased among young males, and even more so among females, at steady rates during an 18-year period ending in 2012.
The CDC refers to this as a "trend," warning parents, educators, mental health professionals and suicide hotline operators about it. The media is cautioned to be careful about its reporting, citing what’s called “suicide contagion,” or the possible influencing of vulnerable individuals.
Seventeen percent of high school students have had serious suicidal thoughts. Eight percent took action to harm or kill themselves, according to a 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
There is no single cause for suicide according to the CDC. Risk factors include but are not limited to:
· Depression
· Family history
· Drug/alcohol abuse
· Illness
· Isolation
According to the CDC fact sheet on suicide, women are more likely to express suicidal thoughts. They are believed to try to kill themselves, but don’t succeed, more often than men.
Early intervention and awareness are urged by the CDC. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
A March 6 report by the CDC reveals that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24 in the United States. More than 5,000 young people took their own lives in 2012. Suffocations have increased among young males, and even more so among females, at steady rates during an 18-year period ending in 2012.
The CDC refers to this as a "trend," warning parents, educators, mental health professionals and suicide hotline operators about it. The media is cautioned to be careful about its reporting, citing what’s called “suicide contagion,” or the possible influencing of vulnerable individuals.
Seventeen percent of high school students have had serious suicidal thoughts. Eight percent took action to harm or kill themselves, according to a 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
There is no single cause for suicide according to the CDC. Risk factors include but are not limited to:
· Depression
· Family history
· Drug/alcohol abuse
· Illness
· Isolation
According to the CDC fact sheet on suicide, women are more likely to express suicidal thoughts. They are believed to try to kill themselves, but don’t succeed, more often than men.
Early intervention and awareness are urged by the CDC. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
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