Why do youth attempt suicide ?

Unlike adults, youth do not have the ability to think about life and life events in terms of the broader perspective or "big picture". They tend to believe that all of the unhappiness they are feeling and experiencing will go on forever. Everything that is happening to them is in the "here and now" and they can't begin to think that there might be a brighter future just around the corner. They often don't believe that anyone can help them, and they feel helpless and hopeless within their situation. They believe that they can either choose to live with the pain, or end it by ending their life. Unfortunately their ultimate decision could be fatal.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

The reasons for suicide are deep and long standing. The teen that attempted suicide right after his girlfriend broke up with him or the teen that contemplated suicide after losing her job probably had a history of low self-worth that was magnified by the upsetting event.

What is so stressful about being a youth ?

• Trouble at home
• Change in family dynamics (i.e. new baby, older sister moves back home, Grandmother moves in)
• Balancing relationships with divorced or separated parents
• Change of schools
• Difficulties at school
• Bullied at school
• Relationship breakup
• Social struggles
• Balancing school, work, social life, and family relationships
• Facing an environment that encourages drugs, alcohol, and sex
• The natural separation from parents
• Dating
• Learning to accept themselves with or without talents and abilities
• Getting good grades for college/university
• Getting a part-time job
• Choosing a college/university
• Choosing a career