Battle for Life

COUNT the number of days last week when you read about yet another teenage suicide in the morning newspaper. It isn8217;t your imagination:...

COUNT the number of days last week when you read about yet another teenage suicide in the morning newspaper. It isn8217;t your imagination: The numbers are rising. According to experts, there has been a two-fold rise in suicides in the 15-24 age group.

Experts say they are almost always preceded by signs that are mute cries for help and for reassurance they are loved.

Why do people kill themselves?
There are social, psychological and, most important, biological reasons for the act. 8216;8216;All its dimensions need to be understood from the medico-clinical perspective for prevention to be initiated,8217;8217; says Dr Samir Parikh, New Delhi-based adolescent psychiatrist. 8216;8216;We tend to attribute suicide to an obvious, immediate cause. But we need to appreciate that the superficial trigger may not be the only one.8217;8217;

What are the risk factors?
8216;8216;Ninety per cent of all suicides have a history of a psychiatric illness,8217;8217; says Parikh. 8216;8216;People who are unwilling to accept help and have suffered a long depression, a recent bereavement or loss of physical health also have suicidal tendencies.8217;8217;

But people so young are unlikely to have long histories of depression.
True. But even for this age group 15-24, depression is the most common cause of suicide. The risk goes up if there8217;s a family history of depression and suicides. The other vulnerable group is high-achieving adolescents, who may react to perceived failure.

	CLOSER LOOK
	Watch out for a teenager who: 8226; Has withdrawn from people as well as activities 8226; Seems to be feeling low for long periods of time 8226; Avoids talking, even with friends 8226; Has problems sleeping 8226; Shows signs of depression

What are the other causes?
Mental disorders, family conflicts, relationship problems, rejection, neglect,or loss of face in the peer group. Also, feelings of hopelessness, poor problem-solving skills, aggressive behaviour and substance abuse.

What should I do if I spot the signs?
8216;8216;It is important to be aware of the factors that can lead to suicide, to take them seriously and consult a psychiatrist at the earliest,8217;8217; says Parikh. Steps to inhibit suicidal tendencies include:

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8226; Emphasis on religion where it declares self-inflicted death to be a sin

8226; Focus on ethics or morals, which teach suicide is wrong

8226; Social counters by which family, children, spouse and friends reiterate their support through words and action