The term alienation is defined as the state of isolation or detachment from other people. A person who often feels alienated may be unable to recover from difficult situations due to the lack of support from family, friends, and community.

The two risk factors that have strongest association with suicide are –
1. Depression or other mental disorder
2. History of abusing alcohol or other drugs

1. Direct or indirect suicide threats
2. An unusual obsession with death
3. Withdrawal from friends
4. Impulsive, irrational or unusual behavior
5. Intolerance for praise or rewards

The following statements are DIRECT verbal cues of a teen who is having suicidal thoughts:
1. “I think about killing myself.”
2. “I do not want to exist in this world anymore.”
3. “My life has no purpose. I should just kill myself.”

The following statements include INDIRECT verbal cues of a teen who is having suicidal thoughts:
1. “Things would get better if I’m gone.”
2. “I want to sleep and never wake up.”
3. “This pain would never go away unless I do something.”

Cluster suicides

STEP 1 – I need to help my friend.

STEP 2 – Talk to my friend about her situation why she is talking negatively about herself. Talk to an adult about the situation.

STEP 3 – Will my friend feel better about herself after talking?

STEP 4 – I want to help my friend get better and have a positive outlook about herself.

STEP 5 – Get my friend the counseling she needs.

STEP 6 – Continue with counseling and encourage my friend.

Decision-making

“I know that what you are going through right now can’t be easy. It’s ok to feel sad, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here to think of a solution with you and do it with you. If you want, we can go to a counselor and get an advice, they can help us with things. I will be with you all the way.”

Be encouraging in getting treatment.