Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

COVID-19 linked to rising suicide rates among teens

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – Did you know that survey data by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention depicted a trend among young people since the onset of the nationwide lockdowns? Between March and June, suicide risk rose sharply for Americans across the board. The rise in suicide cases, though, was most pronounced among the nation’s youth. While 11% of respondents to the CDC survey had seriously considered suicide, the same figure jumps to 25% for people aged 18-24. According to a report from the CDC, from March to October in 2020 mental health-related emergency room visits increased 24% for children ages 5 to 11 and 31% for children 12 to 17 when compared to the same time in 2019.

According to the latest CDC data for California, suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-14; suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 12-18 and suicide is the thirrd leading cause of death for ages 18-22.

What are some warning signs associated with suicide? They include suicide threats, previous suicide attempts, depression, making final arrangements, out of character behavior, feeling like a burden, feeling trapped/hopelessness, inward rage/anger and increased anxiety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, is a free resource that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The crisis text line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained crisis counselor. Confidential support is available 24/7 for free.

Another resource for suicide prevention and awareness is The Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness that has been providing programs and resources to help identify and assist young people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide for over 20 years. They are the nation’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit whose focus is the awareness and prevention of youth suicide.

Visit their website for more information regarding warning signs, their organization and the programs that they offer at no charge to the community at http://www.jasonfoundation.com.

Submitted by the Jason Foundation.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/29/2024 02:27