Suicide Epidemic

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The Rising Epidemic of Adolescent Suicide “Exploding outwardly like the two teenagers at Columbine High School, these kids are exploding on the inside, ready to give it all up” (Hollandsworth 81). Marty Cirkiel, a small-time lawyer practicing just outside of Austin in Texas, made this bold statement in order to describe the emotional state of students that committed suicide after relentless and cruel bullying in their respective schools. Research has shown that adolescents tend to internalize negative emotional experiences. Loved ones often learn of one’s heartache and sense of hopelessness when it is too late. Psychologists and numerous other professionals that work with teenagers have made the observation that adolescents are experiencing…show more content…
Community members, mental health professionals, school personnel, peers and parents can play major roles in the prevention of teenage suicide. Peers can be an essential part of detecting changes and differences in adolescents. Adolescents usually view their peers as the only people who understand them because they are faced with the same problems. Most of an adolescents' life is spent at school or with friends, which means that it is up to those individuals (peers and teachers) who interact with the adolescent on a daily basis to be sensitive to the changes in their behavior, daily routines or personality. It is important for parents to communicate with the people that are capable of providing insight about the behavior of their child. Some school-based youth suicide awareness programs exist to increase students' awareness of the problem, provide knowledge about the behavioral characteristics of adolescents at risk, and describe available treatment or counseling resources. Also, community programs that build adolescents' self-esteem and inspire a sense of inclusion in society have been found to be particularly effective. This can include activities like cultural enrichment, computer training, tutoring, job counseling, sexuality…show more content…
The organization’s website discusses the mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders that are experienced by young people. They are determined to help improve the quality of life for those affected directly or indirectly by these disorders. Reliability & Credibility: I trust this resource because since its establishment in 1953, the AACAP is a leading national and professional medical association. Research Goals: I found this resource very helpful because it allowed me to analyze and compare different viewpoints from contributing physicians. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Website: http://www.afsp.org Summary: The AFSP is a not-for-profit organization that began in 1987. This organization is determined to help others understand and advocate for those affected by suicide. They fulfill their mission by many different avenues such as research, education, and

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