Adolescent Suicides Essay Example

suicide compared to predominantly Protestant countries. This paper will explore various aspects of adolescent suicides, including their reasons, methods used, euthanasia, prevention strategies, and the role of social workers in providing intervention and assistance. However, studying the causes of adolescent suicide faces limitations due to methodological challenges that may result in unreported aspects of the victim's life (p.17-18). Discussing suicide can be emotionally demanding and impede information gathering from siblings or family members of the victim, potentially leading to memory lapses (Hawton, 1986). To understand the causes of suicide, researchers must compare characteristics and family history between those who have died by suicide and those who have not. Suicide is not driven by a single cause but rather multiple causes connected to unmet inner needs. Some adults believe that when adolescents attempt suicide, they are seeking manipulation and control over others (Curran, 1987,p.44). However, there is disagreement with this perspective that fails to consider the underlying psychological reasons behind suicidal tendencies.
Research has shown that negative life events such as divorce, relocation, or changing schools can often increase the likelihood of adolescent suicide attempts (Curran, 1987). Additional factors that contribute to this risk include broken homes with stepparents, parental psychiatric disorders, and early marriages. According to Curran's study in 1987 on adolescent suicides, it was discovered that 40% of those who attempted suicide had a stepparent who was often perceived as unwelcome within the family and blamed for the divorces that created feelings of jealousy due to the attention they received. Hawton's study from 1974 found that among 30 cases examined, 55% had a family history requiring psychiatric consultation (Hawton, 1986). This is significant because according

to Hawton's research:

1.Suicides often have a genetic predisposition towards depression or other serious mental disorders;
2.Living with depressed relatives can lead to a lack of affection and feelings of rejection (p.38). The presence of depressive disorder in a parent or older sibling can serve as an example for adopting a morbid or hopeless attitude. It can be extremely challenging for children and adolescents to live with a parent or sibling who has a major psychiatric disorder (p.38).Although only a small fraction of adolescents are married, the pressures associated with young marriages can contribute to suicide (Hawton, 1986, p.28). Teenage marriages often act as sudden escapes from unsupportive family backgrounds and frequently encounter significant problems rapidly. Adolescent suicides have multiple potential causes, but they all share the common notion that these young individuals are searching for answers and solutions to seemingly unanswerable questions and problems. The methods of suicide among adolescents vary throughout the year, with higher rates in April and May, and lower rates in December and January (Crow, 1987).

It is believed that adolescents who contemplate suicide desire to be discovered before their death. In North America, firearms are the most commonly used means of suicide, accounting for approximately 60% of all suicides; this trend applies equally to males and females. In Canada specifically, guns are more prevalent in rural areas while urban areas experience higher instances of drug use and jumping from heights (Crow, 1987). Hanging and strangulation are the second most common methods of suicide, accounting for one out of every six suicides. Chemical ingestion is responsible for approximately 8% of suicides, with females being five times more likely than males to

choose this method. Jumping from high places represents around 3% of suicides, while cutting or self-puncturing methods are used in less than 1% of cases (Crow, 1987).The choice of suicide methods is influenced by various factors and significantly affects the likelihood of death (Berman, 1992). Individuals who genuinely intend to end their lives may prefer immediate methods like guns or hanging. In contrast, skeptical or impulsive individuals may resort to drug use or self-harm methods. The order of lethality for suicide methods ranges from least deadly to most deadly: gunshot, carbon monoxide poisoning, hanging, drowning, plastic bag over head, fire, poison, drugs, gas and cutting. A study on suicidal students showed that factors such as painlessness, availability and non-disfigurement were associated with choosing drug overdose. Students who selected guns mentioned the quickness of this method (Berman, 1992,p.383). Regardless of the method chosen, the decision to commit suicide is typically an escalated one. According to Curran (1987), most individuals who die by suicide go through a four-step progression - experiencing problems from childhood to adolescence; an escalation of problems during adolescence; a failure in coping techniques leading to social isolation; and a dissolution of remaining social connections before attempting suicide (p.52). Another type of suicide is euthanasia.Active euthanasia refers to the administration of lethal substances or medications with the intention of causing death, but it requires patient consent or implied consent. However, active euthanasia is generally illegal except in the Netherlands (Gentles, 1995, p.2).

Assisted suicide, on the other hand, involves individuals intentionally taking actions to end their own lives while receiving assistance from medical or other personnel (Gentles, 1995, p.2). The controversy surrounding euthanasia and assisted

suicide raises complex legal, ethical, and social questions (Gentles, 1995).

Personally speaking,I support voluntary euthanasia or mercy killing in cases where patients are dying and experiencing significant pain as they have the right to request the withdrawal of life-sustaining measures.

Involuntary euthanasia refers to ending a patient's life without their consent or against their wishes and is considered murder. I advocate for voluntary euthanasia as a morally justifiable form of suicide while acknowledging that euthanasia and preventing suicide have distinct legal considerations.

To prevent initial suicidal acts (primary prevention), it is crucial to enhance social and psychological welfare programs. Secondary prevention aims to prevent further suicidal behavior.Hawton (1986) suggests various interventions for supporting struggling families, identifying and treating childhood depression and psychiatric disorders, educating healthcare professionals in child and adolescent psychiatry, and raising awareness through courses for parents, teachers, and social workers (p.129). The text emphasizes the importance of a support system that allows young individuals to share their concerns during stressful times. It also highlights the need for secondary prevention strategies addressing social and psychological challenges faced by those who have attempted suicide. The goal is to equip young people with coping skills and alternatives to premature ending of their lives. Social workers play a crucial role in crisis intervention, conflict examination, as well as developing rational reasoning and planning abilities for individuals (Hawton, 1986; Crow, 1987). Considering multiple aspects of an individual's personality including feelings, emotions, thoughts, ideas, abilities, limitations are essential for social workers. Additionally, they must also consider how the individual's external environment impacts them or is impacted by them (Crowe 1987).The overall situation of a person, encompassing both past and present circumstances, plays

a significant role in shaping their current state. It is important to note that the future does not exist in the present; instead, it is based on an individual's perception stemming from specific events or goals (Crow, 1987, p.21). By taking a holistic approach and considering the entirety of a person's situation, social workers can determine whether there is a genuine crisis and assist in finding resolution. In situations where no crisis exists but concerns persist among family members, friends, teachers, or others involved with the individual, intervention by a social worker can offer understanding and calmness (Crow 1987).

For adolescents who lack solutions to their problems, unresolved conflicts have the potential to escalate into more serious crisis situations. Social worker intervention involves investigating what has transpired while comprehending the person's overall situation to assess potential crises. If individuals are unable to handle their situations independently, it becomes necessary for social workers to identify someone with appropriate knowledge and skills who can provide assistance. This collaborator can work alongside the social worker to improve conditions for the benefit of those involved.

To maintain a focus on crisis intervention, social workers should pose specific questions about potential worsening of circumstances, severity of issues faced by individuals impacted by those circumstances,and struggles they may face in coping with their situation.Neglecting the crisis focus can lead social workers to address non-existent issues, leaving the actual problem unresolved. In addition, social workers should be knowledgeable about three specific crises involving suicide threats. Understanding potential causes such as family difficulties, guilt or worthlessness, and external events that jeopardize an individual's well-being is crucial in crisis intervention. Being aware of these causes enables

social workers to effectively support their clients. Crisis communication plays a vital role in intervention by facilitating supportive clarification of thoughts and feelings. It is essential for the social worker to create a comfortable and caring environment that encourages open communication with patients. Acting as a supportive sounding board allows the social worker to filter and assess the emotions and ideas expressed by the patient. Encouraging assessment of the situation also holds importance in crisis communication. The social worker engages individuals in self-reflection and examines their circumstances and dynamics. Active involvement during this assessment stage helps identify reasons behind the crisis and explore potential solutions. This process alleviates self-blame while providing direction and clarity for individuals seeking help from social workers. As a result, the individual's mindset becomes clearer, analysis is conducted thoroughly, and planning is done more carefullyThe expertise of the social worker enhances the skills of the individual, and both gain understanding of the situation during the final stage of developing and evaluating possible solutions. The social worker assists in generating options for addressing the client's situation, while breaking down major problems into smaller manageable issues aids in effective dealing with them. It is paramount for the social worker to meet all of the client's needs and resolve any problems or concerns. Regularly checking on the client's stability and progress in problem-solving is crucial. The importance of the intervention process is determined by the client's perception of their time with the social worker; if they feel their time was wasted or solutions don't work, they may hesitate to seek help again or resort to self-destructive behaviors.

The duration of crisis intervention can vary depending

on severity and issues involved, ranging from one to ten sessions or lasting a few weeks (Hawton, 1986). If a social worker determines that they are not equipped to handle a particular case, they may refer clients to other specialized agencies or consider a medical assessment for psychotropic drugs. Regardless of whether the social worker directly manages the case or not, it remains crucial to find appropriate help for individuals. Immediate attention is particularly important in cases involving suicidal thoughts.

CONCLUSION: Suicide refers to intentionally ending one's own life.The recent increase in suicide rates among adolescents is a concerning issue. This rise can be attributed to the various stressors that young individuals face in their lives. Social workers play a crucial role in assisting these adolescents, whether they are dealing with challenges stemming from their troubled family background or the pressures of young adulthood. It is essential for these professionals to intervene effectively and help these young individuals cope with their issues. While suicides can result from different causes and methods, one common factor among children expressing suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and actions is an urgent need for communication and seeking answers and solutions to their problems (Crowe, 1987).