Watch for warning signs of suicide




Watch for
warning signs
of suicide


Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Boys commit suicide more often than girls, and in one recent survey of high school students, 60 percent said they had thought about killing themselves and 9 percent said they had tried at least once.


For many teens, the pressures of growing up create deep feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt and other fears.


Parents worried about their children are advised to keep an eye out for a few basic warning signs. Take it seriously, for example, if the child says, "I feel like killing myself" or if the child complains about feeling "rotten inside" or that "nothing matters."


Suicide-prone teens often have a hard time accepting praise or rewards.


Be on the lookout for physical signs, too, such as drug or alcohol abuse, neglect of personal appearance or a change in sleeping or eating habits.


Larry Misel, Agoura High School principal, said his school set up crisis counseling following the suicide death of student Victor Westerband.


"We’re going to do some additional followup with our entire staff about just reminding them about what to look for in the way of signs," Misel said.



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