Question

A myth about adolescent suicide, including suicidal ideation and actual suicide attempts, is that it is “a cry for help.” Statistics show that suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group 12-19 years following unintentional injuries (accidents), and four out of five adolescents committing suicide gave clear intentions. The fact that we will never know the true reason why an adolescent commits suicide there are multiple risk factors. Based on evidence-based literature, identify three risk factors for suicide health care providers should recognize while performing an adolescent health history, and why/how they make the adolescent at risk. How would you proceed with care and possibly a referral for this at-risk adolescent? 150 words

Answer 1

Three possible risk factors health care providers should pay attention during history taking are...

1. Peer pressure for any abusive or harmful activity or bullying.
2. Broken family, separation from any loved ones or death of loved ones,failure in relationships,insecurities and emotional breakdown.
3. excessive stress due to overprotectiveness of parents, pressure of academic result.

As adolescents are very sensitive towards matters they basically doesn't open up easily.So forcible do's and dont's are strictly a big no no for them as they will not folllow.If they are forced they become more fierce and desperate which finally ends up as suicide incidents. Giving no freedom, lack of frankness,physical or mental abuse, lack of guidence makes them more vulnerable.

Caring for at-risk adolescent is a challenging part-

1. The first and formost thing if at risK adolescent found is to make them talk and discuss whatever is inside his or her mind. Let them talk and listening to them with due attention is very important.
2. Inform their parents regarding suicidal behaviors of their chid and advise them to mix up with their child as frankly as possible. Also to reduce their overprotectiveness and to be more understanding and tolerant.
3. Identifying bad peer group,any clues of suspicious behaviors are to be monitored. Any kind of sorrowful posts from at risk adolescents, or activities are to be handled properly.
4. Dont allow adolescents to be alone always and indulge him or her in activities or whatever he or she likes.
5. If you find out any incidents of bullying in school or colleges,inform higher authority.
6. Attempts of suicides by adolescent is very dangerous, and if its so make them understand and be more patience. Take help from counseling and contact with centres who are working with mental health and refer the case to higher centres if severity is increased.

Lastly be a friend of them, be a listener be a sharing partner be the comfort zone and the at risk individual will feel better thus it will reduce the chances of suicide.