A Positive Approach to Teen Health is an organization whose heartbeat and passion is for youth. The news of recent teen suicides hit the very core of who we are and what we do. We see the need for youth to recognize their value and potential as a founding principal. We also recognize that the pressures and stress that our teens are facing today, at times, is overwhelming to them. For these reasons, we are here as a resource to equip and empower both teens and their support systems.
Please consider joining us for American Teens in Crisis: Teens Under Stress 2014 Conference as together we learn more about this very timely topic. For more details on how to register please visit www.pathblazer.org/ATIC2014
Youth Suicide in Indiana
Suicide has been the second-leading cause of death for young Hoosiers between the ages of 15 and 24 since 2009
In a national survey that included 43 states, Indiana had the nation's highest rate of students who have contemplated suicide (19 percent) and the country's second-highest rate of high school students who have attempted suicide (11 percent). Read the Full Article Here
Risk Factors & How to Help
Suicide affects youth in all demographic groups, but some groups are at higher risk than others.
Suicide affects youth in all demographic groups, but some groups are at higher risk than others. For example, while girls are more likely to consider or attempt suicide, boys are more likely to die from suicide. Of the reported suicides in the 15-24 age group in Indiana, 82% of the deaths were males and 18% were females.5 Historically Hispanic youth are more likely to report attempting suicide than their peers, but in the most recent survey (2011) Black youth showed high rates of attempting suicide. Read the Full Report Here
How to Help
Recognizing the risk factors and warning signs of suicide can help save lives. If a person is showing any of the warning signs of suicide, don't leave them alone. Below are a few tips for speaking with someone who has suicidal thoughts:
Listen carefully.
Convey interest and concern.
Convey confidence that help can be found.
Involve other people. Never agree to keep suicidal thinking a secret
Restrict access to lethal methods.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or a mental health professional.
If the person is in acute danger, call 911 or take them to the emergency room. More Tips and Resources.