The suicide rate amongst teenagers is on the rise. At AspenPointe Counseling, we are focusing all our efforts to reduce the number of teen suicides in
Causes of Teen Suicide
There are several different things that may lead a teenager to take his or her life, but the most common is depression. They are going through so many changes, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes feelings of hopelessness and anxiety, along with feelings of being trapped in a life that one can't handle, are very real contributors to teen suicide.
Other factors include:
- Divorce of parents
- Violence in the home
- Inability to find success at school
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Rejection by friends or peers
- Substance abuse
- Death of someone close to the teenager.
Signs that a teenager might be thinking about suicide:
· Talking about death and/or suicide
· Expressing worries that nobody cares
· Withdrawing from interacting with friends and family.
· Dramatic changes in personality and behavior.
· Giving away sentimental possessions.
· Acting recklessly and engage in risk-taking behaviors.
· Showing signs of a substance abuse problem.
Counseling
This can be done individually or as a family. Techniques help teenagers learn to cope with life. Often, when a teen learns how to handle problems (and families learn how to help), the desire to kill him or herself dissipates.
Residential treatment.
This is treatment in which a suicidal teen goes elsewhere to live for a time. This can be a special treatment facility, or it can be a therapeutic boarding school. In these settings, the teenager is monitored 24/7 in order to prevent a suicide attempt. Additionally, most residential treatment facilities have trained professional staff that can help a suicidal teen.
Medication.
This is often seen as a last resort, or as something complementary to other treatments. It is important to note that in some teenagers, medication can have the opposite effect desired; some studies show that for some teens anti-depressants actually increase the chance of teen suicide.
Eligibility Criteria:
All ages, in particular Teens and parents of Teens.
Insurance(s) Accepted:
Self-pay and most private insurances including: UBH/UH, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and TRICARE
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Evenings and Weekends upon request.
