Recognizing Suicidal Behavior

Suicide is the third main cause of death for teens ages from 10-24. Studies have proved that 90% of the teenagers that commit suicide generally present certain behaviors that can be described a suicidal. These behaviors can be:

• ·         Excessive sadness or moodiness.
• ·         Sudden calmness.
• ·         Withdrawal.
• ·         Changes in personality and/or appearance.
• ·         Dangerous or self-harmful behavior.
• ·         Recent trauma or life crisis.
• ·         Making preparations.
• ·         Threatening suicide.

Most of the teens present mood disorders which can be either a bipolar disorder or depression. In a bipolar disorder teens may change between three different behaviors which are mania (angry or very happy), depression (sad or irritable) and euthymia (normal mood). 

Teens that suffer from depression generally present certain characteristics which are:

• ·         Feeling sad, down, or irritable or not feeling like doing things.
• ·         Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
• ·         Feeling guilty, worthless, or hopeless.
• ·         Having less energy, or more difficulty paying attention.
• ·         Feeling lonely, get easily upset, or talk about wanting to be dead.
• ·         Lose interest in things they used to enjoy.

Mania and depression may happen at the same time; this state is called mixed state.  People that suffer from a mixed state may present this behavior which is characterized by:

• ·         Strong overreaction when things do not go their way.
• ·         Become hyper, agitated, or aggressive.
• ·          Be overwhelmed with thoughts or feelings.
• ·          Sleep less.
• ·         Talk a lot more.
• ·         Act in impulsive or dangerous ways.
• ·         Feel they can do things they really can't.
• ·         Spend money they do not have or give things away.
• ·         Insist on unrealistic plans for themselves or others