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Being a teen is not easy. They experience strong
feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure
to succeed and a host of other feelings. For some,
living through their parents’ divorce or having
to move to a new community can be very unsettling
and can intensify their self-doubt. Some teens
worry about sexuality and relationships, wondering
if their feelings and attractions are normal,
or if they will be loved and accepted. Others
struggle with body image and eating disorders,
trying to reach impossible ideals, while others
have learning or attention problems that make
it hard for them to succeed at school, leaving
them feeling disappointed in themselves or believing
that they are disappointing others.
There are many new social, academic and personal
pressures, and for teens who have additional problems
to deal with, such as living in violent or abusive
environments, life can be even more difficult.
Therefore, for some teens, suicide may appear
to be a solution to their problems.
• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Feeling tired most of the time
• Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight
• Writing poems or notes about suicide or death
• Losing interest in most activities, persistent
boredom
• Giving away special possessions
• Frequently complaining about physical symptoms
e.g. headaches;
• Neglecting personal appearance
• Performing poorly at school
• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Facing a perceived failure or humiliating situation
• Violent actions, rebellious behaviour or running
away
• Marked personality change
• Not tolerating praise or rewards
• Talking about death or suicide in general
Parents need to talk to their child about their
concern, should one or more of these signs occur.
It is almost too painful for a parent to examine
the fact that a teenager could be so unhappy that
he would choose to kill himself. However, with
the increasing prevalence of teen suicides, no
parent can afford to ignore the possibility. Therefore,
if a child or adolescent says they want to kill
themselves, always take the statement seriously
and immediately seek assistance. Try not to argue
with them, or try to attempt to make them feel
guilty for considering suicide. Instead, try to
explore the reasons why the teenager is so unhappy
and feels that suicide is the only solution. Listen
to their answers and be aware of the desperate
situation they might find themselves in, and do
not ignore their pain. Perceived lack of parental
interest in their teenager may be considered an
important factor in teenage suicide. According
to one study, 90% of suicidal teenagers believed
their families did not understand them.
1. Seek professional help and counselling (from
either a medical or a mental health professional)
a. Call LifeLine’s National Counselling Line on
0861-322-322
b. Call your nearest LifeLine Centre on 021 461
1113
2. Offer support (listen, avoid undue criticism,
remain connected)
3. Become informed (library, local support group,
internet)
Contact Nooshin Erfani, Information and Communications
Officer, LifeLine Southern Africa, on 011-715-2000,
084-283-1445, nooshine@lifeline.org.za
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