Why Suicide Risk Remains So High Among Teenagers

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Suicide risk and suicidal ideation can be signs of a mental health concern. In mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, there can be a high suicide risk. Individuals from different age groups can experience depression, including children, teenagers and adults.

Through this blog, our intention is creating awareness about suicide due to mental health concerns. If the topic seems too heavy at any point, it is highly recommended to pause the reading, connect with reliable social support and use your preferred coping strategy. You can also reach out to crisis helplines during mental health emergencies.

Teens are in a transitional stage from childhood to adulthood. The teenager may experience stress due to school, family environment, and friends, among other factors. If the individual does not have or find proper resources to cope with the changes happening around and within the body then it may lead to mental health concerns.

Understanding the Scope of Elder Suicide

Suicide amongst individuals in the age group of 40 to 59 is also quite common. During middle adulthood and late adulthood, some possible reasons for depression and anxiety can include financial stress, social disconnection, etc. If the individual does not find suitable support, such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, then suicide risk can increase.

What the Statistics Reveal

Here are some suicide rates that were reported in a study in the year 2022, based on the findings of the National Crime Records Bureau in India:

1. There was a jump from 5.2% in 2017 to 6.8% in 2022 in suicide caused because of substance and alcohol abuse. This increase was more visible amongst individuals aged 30 to 45 years.

2. An increase in the suicide rate of students was also observed

3.  Suicide by hanging increased from 2017 (49.8%) to 2022 (58.2%).

Why This Age Group Is Often Overlooked

Possible reasons why mental health of older adults may get overlooked can include:

1.  Focusing more on physical health-related concerns in comparison to mental health concerns.

2.  Lack of awareness about psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for issues such as anxiety, depression, etc.

3. Increased social disconnection due to retirement, children leaving home and loved ones passing away.

Managing the Hidden Triggers Behind Elder Suicide

Some possible reasons for suicide risk amongst the elderly along with coping strategies for the same are mentioned below.

Loneliness and Social Isolation

1. Volunteering, joining groups to remain socially active and engaged.

2. Adopting a pet to minimise isolation and increase a sense of connection.

3. Revisiting old hobbies such that one also gets a chance to connect with others, for eg yoga class, learning a musical instrument, etc.

Declining Health and Chronic Pain

1. Reaching out to a nutritionist for a proper diet plan

1. Getting health check-ups done timely manner

2. Acknowledging the body’s changes with compassion

Financial Stress and Dependency Fears

1. Having an honest conversation with family regarding financial planning.

2. Simplifying finances by automating bills and emergency funds.

3.  Exploring senior citizen benefits such as government schemes and pensions.

Grief, Loss, and Emotional Burden

1. Expressing emotions through social and professional support.

2. Engaging in self-care activities to regulate emotions.

3. Joining support groups to build connections.

Breaking the Silence and Offering Support

We can take responsibility as a society to offer support and empathy to those experiencing suicidal ideation and suicide risk.  

The Importance of Open Conversations

1. Honest conversations can help reduce social disconnection. 

2. Support groups can be conducted to facilitate sharing and expression.

3. Open conversations can make it easier to seek professional support as well.

Building Community and Connection

Community building involves supporting each other through thick and thin. It can be through different ways, such as:

1. Online meetings

2. Workshops

3. Seminars

4. Offline events

5. Clubs and Groups

Professional Help and Crisis Resources

With the increasing awareness about depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders, we have access to more support as well. Awareness about suicidal ideation ICD-10, is a step forward for helping professionals with proper coding and evaluation. There are a lot of crisis helplines that offer support through call and chat, therefore enabling individuals from different parts of the world to reach out for help.

Hope and Healing Are Possible

You deserve to heal and feel hopeful about a better future! It takes courage to seek support and take steps actively towards the development of a healthier wellbeing.

Stories of Recovery and Resilience

If you look around, you may find so many journeys of resilience and strength. These stories can be inspiring and encourage one to step on one’s own recovery journey as well. It is advised to check the testimonials and understand the previous clients’ journeys if you are seeking help from a mental health organisation.

How Elders Can Find Purpose Again

Elders can find purpose again in a lot of different ways, such as:

1.  Sharing about their life lessons and wisdom with others

2. Engaging in hobbies and activities they could not do earlier

3.  Joining community centers and cultural groups

The Role of Society in Protecting Vulnerable Seniors

As a society, we can all protect our valuable seniors through the following ways:

1.  Regularly checking in with them

2.  Making them feel heard and valued

3. Creating activities around their interests

Read Also: Role of Mental Health Care in Suicidal Prevention

Final Reflections

At Athena Behavioral Health, our team of experts is trained to offer professional support for mental health disorders. We also actively support clients experiencing suicidal ideation and have an inpatient facility as well.

You can learn more about our services by giving us a call at +91 9289086193 and we will try our best to assist you!