Teen Suicide Pathfinder

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teenagers (New, 2010). Teenagers are more likely to contemplate suicide when a mental disorder is present, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Family members and friends need to pay attention for warning signs, including talk of death and giving away their person personal possessions. The risk of suicide increases when external circumstances overwhelm the teenager and causes them to view suicide as the only option available (APA). Risk factors for suicide include mental illness, family stress, environmental risks, and traumatic situations (NASP). Resiliency factors are factors in the environment that supports the teen and lessens their suicidal risk factors. These factors include familial and religious support, psychological care, and learning problem-solving skills. Teens that are feeling suicidal should not be isolated; they need a support group of friends and family to help them through their emotional crisis (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Treatment should be considered, whether it is therapy or medication.

If you are looking for information about suicide, whether your goal is to prevent it or to learn about it, they should try checking for books in their local library. Libraries are often well-stocked with books about medical disorders and mental illnesses. For information about suicide in a public library, the Dewey Decimal number that would help you to locate a book is 362.28. The Dewey Decimal number specifically for teen suicide is 362.280835. If you are looking for information in a college or school library, the Library of Congress Number is HV6546.  The library recognized subject heading for the topic of teen suicide is “Teenagers—Suicidal Behavior” (Library of Congress). Acceptable variants are “teen suicide” and “teenage suicide.”

The librarians are available for more than the helping people locate books. If you need to talk to someone about rough situations in your life, your librarian would take the time to listen if you simply asked for help. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your librarian, then you should find someone that you can talk to comfortably. You can find help at the library, whether it is the opportunity to escape into the world of books or the friendship available there. Programs are offered at the library for teenagers and one benefit of attending such a program is finding new friends.

If you are doing research on teen suicide, I suggest starting with the materials on this list. Sites for medical organizations are usually trustworthy and give the information needed concisely. When searching for information on a topic, make sure that the site that you choose has the resources used listed.

Resources

APA. (n.d.). Teen suicide is preventable. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/research/action/suicide.aspx

Library of Congress. (n.d.). Teenagers--suicidal behavior. Retrieved from http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh91005161.html

Mayo Clinic. (2013, April 24). Teen suicide: What parents need to know. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-suicide/MY02347

NASP. (n.d.). Preventing youth suicide--tips for parents and educators. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/suicideprevention.aspx

New, M. (2010, January). About teen suicide. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html