Suicide Among Children Essay

1277 Words6 Pages

The notion that a young child could desire to take their own life, then actually succeed, is inconceivable to most people. Almost all adolescent suicides are publically labeled as accidental; but in reality, children can completely understand the reality of suicides impact. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death in children only five to fourteen years old. Suicide among children is only a segment of the epidemic that is currently taking over the world. Although this is extremely severe and alarming, most people are completely unaware of it. Suicide is seen as a lack of strength, nothing but a weakness. But in reality, it is much more than that;“Suicide is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon stemming from the interaction …show more content…

It is extremely common for a child's emotional or physical state to worsen their pre-existing depression or anxiety. Common mental influences of childhood depression is low self esteem, self-doubt, or self-blame. Factors like these could arise in a popular, well loved child or an isolated, independent child. No child is safe from risk. After learning the mental risks, its import to know that a few common physical “risk behaviors that correlate with suicide ideation or suicide attempts include alcohol and tobacco use, substance use, physical and sexual abuse... truancy, low GPA, bulimia, dieting, carrying a weapon, being threatened or injured at school, fighting …” (Moon). These are all risk factors that parents need to be aware of and watch out for. A change in their emotional state or normal behavioral functioning is an extreme indicator that a child may be living in a state of problematic anxiety or depression. It is most common for severe depression to come from traumatic experiences like cases of abuse, bullying, or beaten. But it is also extremely possible for a child to develop a depression from experiencing normal teenage behaviors including substance use, sexual interest, alcohol, or a lack of concern for their grades. These small risk factors could be incredibly impactful on a child's wellbeing and should be faced