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Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation
There are alternatives!
* Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15 – 19
* Everyday, 14 young people (ages 15 – 24) commit suicide, or approximately one every 100 minutes
If your child, friend or someone you know mentions suicide, not wanting to live, or hints around in anyway (through poetry, drawing, verbally) that they may want to or wish to take their life – Take it seriously and do something right away! It is better to be safe than sorry. It is better to have someone angry or upset with you because you cared enough to do some, instead of planning a funeral
Suicide Signals
The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, alcohol or drug abuse, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors. If several of the following symptoms, experience, or behaviors are present, a mental health professional or another trusted adult, such as a parent or a school counselor, should be consulted.
- Depressed mood
- Substance abuse
- Frequent episodes of running away or being incarcerated
- Family loss or instability, significant problems with parents
- Expressions of suicidal thoughts, or talk of death or the afterlife during moments of sadness or boredom
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation
- No longer interested or enjoying activities that once were pleasurable
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Impulsive, aggressive behavior, frequent expressions of rage
Christopher A. Dalske Memorial and Scholarship
The CAD memorial and scholarship is held in memory of my nephew Chris. Chris passed away in 2001 by suicide. He loved children, loved life, and loved his family and friends. However some decisions he made and some challenges he faced made life a little too unbearable for him, so he took his own life.
Since his death my mission has grown stronger to provide help teens, to let them know that there are others too who understand their challenges and difficulties, and who are there for them. My aim is to educate and raiser awareness to others about suicide. Through prevention and support we can save lives and lessen another pain by knowing they are not alone.
What can be done?
Teens are not helped by lectures or by hearing all the reasons they have to live. What they need is to be reassured that they have someone whom they can turn (family, friends, school counselor, physician, teacher, etc) to discuss their feelings or problems with.
Treatment is of the utmost importance. Call your local hospital, hotline, or doctor and ask for a referral or resource that can help.
Depression can be temporary. People can feel better. Help is available!
Resources and websites are available in “Ask a professional”
Information was provided by American Psychiatric Association (www.psych.org)
1400 K Street NW Washington, DC 20005
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