Pallavi Das, writes about the issue of youth suicide and possible recommendations to better the situation.
Youth suicide is a very serious issue and it has been increasing rapidly. The reasons for attempting suicide may be complex. Although, it is rare in children it is increasing at a rapid rate among teenagers. There may be several reasons why a teen thinks of committing suicide. Some of these problems are being bullied in schools and colleges, break-up with boyfriend or girlfriend, academic failure, feeling of being neglected, hopelessness etc. The reasons behind a teen’s suicide can be complex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 years old.
We all know that adolescence is a very complicated phase of life and it needs to be dealt with effectively. Adolescents are immature as well as very emotional and they take even the little of things to their heart as compared to adults. Generally teens who think of committing suicide give a hint by talking about suicide or death. They mostly remain isolated and do not indulge in any activities not even their favorite ones. So parents should be aware and take care of their children if they find any such symptoms. They should try to spend more time and try to understand them emotionally. If possible, they should be taken to psychiatrist.
Suicidal thought is common among teenagers having mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder and the like. It is more likely in girls than boys. However their ways of committing suicide is quite different. Girls generally apply the very common ways of committing suicide like hanging themselves up or taking poison or cutting their veins or taking an overdose of drugs. Boys take more successful methods like shooting themselves with a gun or jumping from the roof of a high-storey building.
The youngsters do not think even once before committing suicide. It is an impulsive decision made be the teenagers. It is just a mere excuse of quitting life. But we are always taught by our parents and teachers that quitting is never an option. We either win or lose. Failure is the endeavor to success. It is not necessary that we will always get success in life. Failures are a part of life and we should have the strength to face it and not turn our back to it like a loser. Yes it is true and quite natural that the thought of committing suicide comes in everybody’s mind. But let’s keep that a thought only and not bring it into action. The one who commits suicide is often looked down by his/her friends or relatives. Their families are looked down and it brings loss of reputation in the family. Their families have to face both the loss of the member as well as the humiliation it brings as a consequence of such action.
But the question is can nothing be done to help these teenagers in not taking such an irrational step? Well I think that parents can play a key role in this. The way you deal with a child and a teen is very different. You can scold and punish a child when he is 10-12 years old. But you cannot do the same thing with an adolescent because they are in a phase of life where they need love and affection and not strictness. Parents should try and understand their behavior and deal with it accordingly. If parents doubt that their child is remaining quiet and isolated or is depressed they should try to make him happy and let him forget his pain. That is going to help them a lot as they will feel that someone is there to love and take care of him.
If the teenagers have easy access to firearms or medicines then they are more likely to commit suicide. Therefore as much as possible they should be kept out of their reach. Normally a teenager takes unprescribed medicine if he wants to end his life. Parents should keep their medicines in lock and key. They may also carry any such medicine in their college backpack. So be careful and check their stuffs regularly.
Youth suicide definitely needs more attention. Awareness should be spread among teenagers about the consequences of suicide. To bring to notice, attempt to suicide as a criminal offence and is punishable under Section 309 IPC. Punishment may extend to one year or fine or both. Abetment to suicide is also an offence and is punishable under Section 306 IPC. If any person commits suicide and whoever abets the commission of such suicide shall be punished for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine. So think twice before committing suicide because if you fail then no one is going to save you from going to prison.
