Stress and other emotionally draining events occur more often during teenage years. These include major changes in thoughts, feelings, physical appearance and even both good and bad changes of the people they are surrounded with.

It can be very unsettling when these changes also come along with other major events in life such as school or academics, life decisions, and personal problems that are too humiliating and confusing for them to comprehend and overcome. Thus, self-harm and suicidal thoughts are hard to avoid.

Withdrawal from friends and family members is another thing. This is typically because suicidal teens tend to run away from people either because they’re humiliated of how they feel and don’t want to bother them or they understand how they feel but they are not sure if their family and friends would understand them. This causes more anxiety and confusion which might result to a more serious case which is the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Although, some teens will be very vocal about it. Some might exert effort into planning his/her death and even saying “I want to kill myself,” “I’m tired of being alive,” and other verbal hints.

The most dangerous stage of how the mind of a suicidal teen works is when he/she suddenly becomes cheerful after being depressed. It might mean that he/she is certain of the decision they’re about to make.

Whatever signs they might show, we must always remember that they are crying out for help. Always take such statements, thoughts, behaviors, or plans very seriously. Any teen who expresses thoughts of suicide should not be left alone and should be evaluated right away.

If you are a friend of a suicidal teen, do not hesitate to help by:

• encouraging your friend to seek help from a professional. offer assistance, if possible.
• talk about suicide seriously and hear them out when they start opening up. having someone who listens means a lot to them.
• keep your communication always open to give help whenever they need it. stay connected.

Preventing a suicide or an attempt can be done by:

• reminding your friends and family members that they are loved and thet matter a lot to you. be genuine and speak true words of love.
• do not make them feel lonely and unworthy.
• keeping medicine, guns, blades and other dangerous materials out of reach and out of their sight.
• be aware of depression and its warning signs.

Remember to recognize the warning signs and take them seriously. By being aware and helpful, you can do a lot to help save a life on the edge.

PHILIPPINES SUICIDE HOTLINE
Hotline: (02) 8969191
Hotline: Mobile phone: 0917 854 9191