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Teen Depression and SuicideTeen suicide is the fastest growing teen health issue in Washington County (MN). It is the second leading cause of teen deaths (following motor vehicle accidents) and the leading cause of serious injuries to youth.
Suicide is a major consequence of untreated depression. Although over 11 million Americans suffer from depression each year, only 1/3 seek treatment. Yet when physicians or therapists are given the proper information, depression is treatable with medications and therapies.
Although everyone has moods and times when they are worried or feel blue, depression affects the daily routine, in that the individual feels persistently sad and hopeless or helpless. High stress situations do not automatically cause depression, but depression does make it harder to bounce back. Depression in teens is often different from the adult versions so careful assessment is needed.
In an opinion survey conducted by the local Public Health Department, 87% of Washington County teens agreed that depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts are a problem among teens today. On the 2001 Minnesota Student Survey, 25-45% of Washington County youth in 9th and 12th grade indicated that they had thought of killing themselves. Of even greater concern is the 13% of Stillwater and South Washington County 9th grade students who reported that they had actually attempted suicide. Compared to 12th graders, a greater percentage of younger students attempted suicide.
A recent YSB informal survey confirms the results of the MN Student Survey. 41% of the 9th graders attending confirmation class at a local church acknowledged they had thoughts about killing themselves. Yet, suicide is not about ending lives; rather, it’s about ending pain.
One strategy for preventing teen suicide is to increase awareness of depression and its treatability. Yellow Ribbon campaigns, teen resource fairs, parent education, and easily accessible resources on suicide prevention are critical strategies to reduce the incidence of teen suicides – and attempts. Thanks to the local Teen Health Fund and regional activities, area teens are getting potentially life saving information at schools, over the internet, and community gathering spots.
YBS is an active partner in the Teen Health Fund. YSB counselors are available to give educational presentations on depression awareness and suicide prevention for parent and/or teen groups. The YSB therapists are also available to counsel teens and families dealing with life’s stressors or depression.
Resources:
Yellow Ribbon Campaign website @ www.yellowribbonmn.org
www.co.Washington.mn.us/pubhlth/teenmh; see the teen survey
www.WACyDAsp.org
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