Can We Help?

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people between 15 and 24 and accounts for 4,500 lives lost and over 500,000 attempts (Hochman 1). Most of these attempts and deaths have been due to an underlying mental health disorder. During an interview with Mrs. Ellen Cohen, a guidance counselor at Bronxville High School, who explained that these disorders could be evident if a child is experiencing a change, especially in behavior. However, this behavior could turn into feelings of suicide if it is not recognized. Some psychiatrists say that discussing suicide in the media has a “copy cat effect” where one case can trigger to others (Hochman 2). I was interested to learn in the interview that this copy cat effect could be true. Cohen stated that this effect is present when a child is developing an eating disorder or beginning to self-harm, and that it is very possible that teenagers could be influenced by other suicide cases. However, she notes, “It is important for people's stories to come out so [people] could see if a child [is] exhibiting signs of depression and to become aware of what they do before they commit suicide.” A child carrying out suicidal thoughts will take actions similar to giving away possessions or writing and drawing about suicide, but in some cases, there are no signs. However, if stories were reported about a person who chooses to live from a suicidal state, this could actually help decrease suicide rates (Casey 2). A study shows that the majority of suicide attempts off of bridges happen on the sides of a bridge, proving that the victim is unsure whether or not they want to take their life (Hochman 2). To help them get through their depressive thoughts, Mrs. Cohen advises that counseling be the first step a family takes to overcome a child’s depression. She agrees that anti depressant drugs should be given to teenagers, but only in severe cases. Interestingly, she stated that often times, unless a child has a chemical imbalance in their brain, these drugs will help children feel better, but will not fix any problems they have with their parents, their body, or any other issue. But, these drugs can be of value to a teenager who is severely depressed if they are closely monitored. Therefore, people, especially parents must be aware that noticing and treating depression with counseling, anti depressants, or both could save their child from a fatal suicide.