Suicide and depression

Information provided by international organizations such as Pan American Health Organization (OPS) reveals that 65% of suicide attempts are associated with depression, a pathology that, the same as with other alterations in mental health, is constantly increasing.

The expressed intent of an adolescent to commit suicide should never go unattended, even when some of them are not truly going to kill themselves. What is important is that some will try, according to statistics. However, according to adolescent problem specialists, a lot of the suicide attempts can be confused by professionals with lesser experience as transgressor behaviors and lack of control. Thus, it is essential that the attention services to which adolescents with these types of problems attend, have ideal professionals, who know how to properly advice the young as well as their families.

Suicide is the third cause of death in men and the fourth in women from 15 to 24 years of age. The most serious problem is when we take into consideration that the mortality of suicide attempts is greater than these percentages.

When an adolescent expresses serious emotional problems, and specially, when the desire to end their own life is expressed verbally, family members, friends and professionals assisting should never minimize the risk. Most of the young that commit suicide have previously talked about their desire to die or have threatened to commit suicide. From those who achieve to kill themselves, 40% has had a previous failed attempt. After that first attempt, between 6% and 16% will try again in the following 12 months.

How can we not take seriously an adolescent that tells us: “I want to die” or “I am going to kill myself”?

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