The Rise And Decline In Teenage Suicides Psychology Essay

The Rise And Decline In Teenage Suicides Psychology Essay Teenage suicides are devastating, not only to the victim, but to families, friends and all who knew the victim. Statistical data show the rise and decline in teenage suicides ages 15 to 24 as far back as 1952. The causes, symptoms, risk factors, are all factors. Studies indicate that young men commit suicide at a higher rate than young women. There are economical as well as social surroundings that play a major role in placing teenagers at a higher risk of suicide. Researchers are finding that medical conditions undiagnosed or left untreated, is contributing to the rates of teenage suicides. Other researchers are finding that warning signs are going unnoticed and with the assistance of schools workers, doctors, and peers and above all, parents, watching for such signs can make a dramatic change in the rates of teenage suicides. Appropriate funding for prevention programs, family as well as school interventions can make a difference between life and death in a teenager who may be cons idering suicide. The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes and prevention programs for teenager suicides between the ages of 15 and 24. The different ways gender, age, and society can influence a teenagers thoughts of suicide is also explored. I will show various warning signs and symptoms teenagers feel when contemplating suicide (Andrews, Tanya David, 2005). The overall purpose of my research is to examine the prevalence of teenage suicides between the ages of 15 and 24. Various studies indicate that economical as well as social problems play a role in teenagers trying to commit suicide. It seems the lower the socioeconomic state, the higher the risk for teenage suicides (Brown, 2001). Other studies indicate that warning signs and symptoms are going unnoticed or untreated. Family histories, drugs, alcohol abuse, all play major roles and school workers, doctors, teachers, parents and so forth all need to be able to recognize and diagnosis such problems and try and reduce teenage suicide rates (Brown, et. al, 2007). Literature Review Many authors agree that social economic status affects the overall suicide rates among teenagers. They also agree that rural areas, sparsely populated areas in communities that have experienced historical trauma and cultural losses (Brown, 2001; Brown, Wyman, Brinales, Gibbons, 2007; Miller Eckert, 2009). Brown (2001) states that upheavals in the economy, job losses and social as well as loss of traditions will only increase suicide rates in teenagers. This author does not mention in his article whether or not economical influences play a role in teenage suicides. Individuals or THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 4 teens living in the lowest socioeconomic areas are more than five times the risk of suicide compared to others (Brown, 2001). Many authors agree that school based curriculum programs, prevention programs, school personnel training involving teachers, screening programs and community involvement are essential tools in preventing teenager suicides. They also agree on the percentage of teenage suicide rates and look at risk factors, warning signs and symptoms (Joe Bryant 2007; Kutcher, 2008; Miller, Eckert, 2009). Joe and Bryant (2007) and Kutcher (2008) also believe that screening of school-aged children can assist in identifying early risk factors and allow for intervention and prevention treatment. Brown 2001, Kutcher, 2008 and Wyman, Brinales and Gibbons (2007) agree that risk factors involving family histories of suicidal attempts, teenagers being exposed to drugs, alcohol, feelings of hopelessness, depression and mental disorders are risk factors that should be diagnosed and treated as a way in prevention methods. Miller and Eckert (2009) believe that factors leading to a decision to commit suicide are triggers such as mental illness, emotional, family turmoil and so forth. Other authors took a look at antidepressants that physicians and prescribe to teenagers for depression and the side effects that could take place (Barlas, 2007; Brent, 2007, Dockasi, 2009; Wagner 2007). All three discuss the Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) and the black box warning labels that are now required to be placed on labels indicating the potential risk of suicide due to the side affects of antidepressants. Teenage suicides are a major public concern in nearly every country. Suicides account for nearly 3% of all deaths, and are the third leading cause of death in teenagers. High school THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 5 students surveyed indicated that 9% have considered suicide and 2.6% have attempted suicide (Brown, et. al, 2007). Discussion Statistics of Suicide According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), teenage suicides have been on the rise from 1952 to 1992. Teenage suicides are the third leading cause of death in teenagers ages 15 to 24, and young men commit suicide successfully at a higher rate than women in over 30 countries. From the 1950s through 1998, youth suicide rates in the United States have nearly tripled (Brown, et al, 2007). Some reasons for such a trend are the loss of traditions, support, and teenagers can no longer rely on their parents as role models. This data indicates that mental illnesses are more prominent now in teenagers and is approaching 20% , compared to 10-12% in the 1960s (Brown, 2001). Suicide Attempt One such case is when an 8th grader stood at the edge of a concrete bridge looking down to the bottom some fifty feet below. All he knew was that he wanted to die; he extended his arms, took a deep breath and leaned forward. In an instance it could have been all over, expect for a stranger grabbing the young man around the stomach and pulling him to safety just seconds before he would have succeeded in committing suicide. Looking back, after receiving the necessary mental health diagnosis, he didnt regret what he tried to do, but he came to understand that what made him do such a thing was what he now understood to be a THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 6 mental illness. He knew he really didnt want to die, but something kept pushing him on, finally with help of a stranger and the right care, this young man can receive treatment for his illness and can live a long and productive life (Henick, 2010). Suicide Deaths Compared to Regular Medical Conditions The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2004, reported a 300% increase in suicides rates. Rates for teenagers 15 to 19 year olds increased 11%. Teenagers ages 10 to 14 showed an increase in suicides rates of 100% (Andrew, Tanya, David, 2005). In 1996, some basic facts are that teenagers died from suicide more than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. Nearly one in five high school students have seriously considered a suicide attempt during the preceding school year, and three students made genuine suicide attempts within the last year (Andrew, et al, 2005). There are many risk factors that can influence why a teenager may want to commit suicide and these include, age, gender, cultural and social influences, mental illness, recent losses, family histories of suicides, prior suicide attempts, peer pressure, family violence, sexual violence and so forth (Kutcher, 2008). One such risk factor is the access to the means. Teenagers in the United States succeeded in killing themselves at a rate of 2.5 % due to the easy access to guns at home or from their peers. Suicides by means of guns has increased at a more rapid pace than any other methods used, such as hangings, drugs, and so forth (Brown, 2001). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 7 Effects of Social and Economic Pressures Teenagers are not immune to the economical state or their social surroundings and the effect it has on their way of thinking or looking at the future. Teenagers surveyed in one study showed results that indicated the lower the socioeconomic status, the higher the risk for teenagers and showed that they had more than a five time risk of committing suicide (Miller Eckert, 2009). Upheavals in the economy have caused undue stress in young people and are making them feel as though they are unable to cope (Brown, 2001). Studies have shown that have linked socioeconomic factors and suicide risks to sexual orientation, social disadvantages, sexual abuse, and so forth. Over 90% of victims found to have at least one mental health disorder (Kutcher, 2008). Teenagers being exposed to alcohol, drugs and other substance abuses are at a greater risk of committing suicide. Hopelessness and suffering, depression, and mental disorders are going undiagnosed or untreated. Separation or divorces of parents causes undue stress on teenagers (Miller Eckert, 2009). Warning Signs and Treatments The U.S. Food Drug Administration, (FDA). In 2003-2004, the FDA issued a public warning that antidepressants could trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers 20 and under after taking the drugs for a minimum of 2 months. The Journal of Medical Association, (JAMA), looked at 5,310 children and teenagers and found that children taking antidepressants added a risk about 2 in 100 of experiencing worsening suicidal feelings above what they had been feeling (Barlas, 2007). The FDA, ordered that THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 8 antidepressant drugs needed warning labels indicating young people are 4% more likely to exhibit suicidal intentions if taking these drugs. The black box warning labels should included in the medications bottle stated an increased risk of suicide may accompany the use of these antidepressants and the black box warnings were placed on the inserts of all antidepressant medication and warned doctors to watch patients closely (Barlas, 2007; Brent, 2007; Dockasi, 2009; and Wagner, 2007). There are many warning signs that family members, friends, and school officials can be made aware and to look for in a teenager contemplating suicide. A very significant sign is the teenager tried to commit suicide previously; mood changes; giving away personal belongings; depression; great sadness; feeling of isolation; withdrawing from family, friends, peers; eating habits; turning to drugs and alcohol, and harming themselves to list a few. Common circumstances are linked to reasons why teenagers are committing suicide. The feelings of being rejected by family, friends, peers, failure and disappointment in oneself, emotional and family turmoil can lead a teenager to look for a permanent solution, such as suicide, since they cannot remedy the problems themselves. Many teenagers do not know they are suffering from a mental illness which could be causing their thoughts and feelings and by diagnosing and treating teenagers with mental illness. There can be a reduction in the deaths of teenagers and continue the downturn in statistics (Shaffer Cowdry, 1999). Studies have shown that have linked socioeconomic factors and suicide risks to sexual orientation, social disadvantages, sexual abuse, and so forth. Over 90% of victims found to have at least one mental health disorder (Kutcher, 2008). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 9 Family histories of suicide attempts and teenagers who have attempted suicide before are at a greater risk for a second suicide attempt (Kutcher, 2008). Risk factors, such as which populations are at an elevated risk and which risk and positive factors could be targeted for preventing suicide (Brown, et al, 2007). There are various causes that could be contributing to teenagers committing suicide. Preventions of Suicide Curriculum school based prevention programs involving support of staff, screening of students and training teachers of what to look for in a troubled teenager. Involving peers and the community are areas that can also bring awareness to teenagers in need (Andrew, et al, 2005). Prevention programs involving specific information need to be provided directly to students that focus on warning signs and teaching peers how to talk with another teenager contemplating suicide. Knowledge is power and the more knowledge teenagers are about suicide, the better the results will be (Miller Eckert, 2009). Physicians or primary care doctors are key individuals in being able to diagnosis a trouble teenager. They are the first choice of contact that many teenagers want to contact in times of distress. Physicians treating teenagers need to be well educated and know the warning signs and give proper treatment (Kutcher, 2008). One such study analyzed prescription data for antidepressant medications used by teenagers and found that Lithium actually reduced the rate of both completed suicides and suicide attempts in teenagers diagnosed with bipolar disorder (Steele Doey, 2007). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 10 Many schools are now using screenings for school-age children in an effort to identify teenagers at risk and can assist in identifying early risk factors and allow for intervention and prevention treatment (Joe Bryant 2007; Kutcher, 2008; Miller Eckert, 2009). School psychologists have an ethical and legal responsibility to prevent teenage suicides whenever possible. These psychologists play a vital role in school-based suicide prevention (Miller Eckert, 2009). There are many ways that state governments, public involvement and schools, colleges, healthcare providers and officials can make a difference in the overall teenage suicide rates. The National Governors Association, (NGA), produced a list of recommendations to assist in reducing teenage suicides. They suggest increasing public awareness, creating state prevention plans, establishing school-based prevention programs (Henick, 2010). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008, surveyed students in grades 9-12, and found that 14.5% of teenagers in the U.S. have seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months; 18.7% of teenagers were females; 10.3% of those teenagers were males; 11.3% of teenagers made a plan about how to commit suicide. Another result was that 6.9% of teenagers made at least one attempt that resulted in injury and required medical treatment (Miller Eckert, 2009). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 11 The Presidents New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003) and the Childrens Mental Health Screening and Prevention Act of (2003), target teenagers who are at risk for suicide. Research has shown that when asked, a teenager will commonly state whether or not he or she is contemplating suicide. Many states now require that schools provide suicide prevention and management. There are three categories of the programs are, curriculum programs, in-service training for teachers and staff, and school-wide suicide screenings of school aged children (Joe Bryant, 2007). In 2003, President Bush authorized 82 million dollars over a three year period by passing a new law aimed at preventing suicides among teenagers and young people. The new law provided states, colleges, universities and other agencies with grant money to start suicide prevention and intervention programs. The Presidents New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, (2003), established screening of children, looking for mental illness, establishing community-based treatment and training for child care professionals in an attempt to stop suicides in teenagers (Joe Bryant, 2007). Laws Enacted The U.S. Congress and Surgeon General passed prevention acts with a main priority for 2010, aiming at addressing and trying to change statistical teenage suicide attempts currently at 2.6% down to 1%. Addressing antidepressants medications and psychosocial programs involving intervention will be done through research to determine hat strategy would be most effective (Brown et. al, 2007). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 12 Conclusion Our children are our future. Studies that have shown suicide rates among our teenagers over the years have been at epidemic levels. There is a great need for federal, state, and local government involvement. Schools, universities, parents, communities and so forth, need to become aware of the causes, symptoms and address the teenagers needs accordingly. Reducing teenage suicide rates will be challenging, but by identifying risk factors, intervention and preventive treatment programs, funding and practices will definitely make a difference. Ending teenage suicides should be an attainable goal.

Gender Roles in fairytales

Reflective Response: Analyzing Gender Roles Gender Bias is still very evident in our society and I believe it is also still present in Fairy tales. Despite how far we've come in equality between genders, children's fairy tales still tend to advertise the gender bias and stereotypes set upon men and women. Many of these stories depict their male heroes as powerful, tough, and dominant, and their female counterparts as selflessly dedicated and submissive damsels in distress. Children absorb these messages from a very young age, through their exposure to fairy tales in media such as storybooks, children's films andTV shows. These messages give them the impression that the only way to be happy is to fulfill the traits of the ideal male/female figure. Little girls frequently dream of becoming the beautiful princesses while little boys strive to be the mighty brave knights, warriors and fighters. Many stereotypes appear in Disney movies, for example Cinderella displays apparent gender bias , stereotypes and discrimination. This movie shows the classic storyline; the courageous, fearless prince charming saves the helpless weak princess from doom.Cinderella is characterized as a tender earted girl who passively accepts her fate which is to live with her evil step-mother and step-sisters. Her life doesn't change until prince charming takes an interest in her and swoops in to save her from her miserable life by becoming not only her one true love, but also her sole provider. This is an evident example of Disney portraying women as weak and docile. Cinderella does not stand up for herself but has to wait for a man to do it for her. This stereotypical storyline teaches young children how they must be to be accepted in society; boys must be strong, girls must be weak.This kind of message is engrained into young girl's minds that they have no control over their lives and must wait for a strong male fgure to save them. These tales teach girls to be passive and dependant becaus e any female characters that break these norms are depicted as an evil. If a woman is strong, independent and speaks her mind (stereotypical male traits), she is seen as nothing but obnoxious or a â€Å"bitch†. Not only are girls affected by these gender stereotypes throughout fairy tales but boys are taught to be the leader, to be strong, emotionless and aggressive giving many young oys aggression problems later in life.These stereotypes give men the impression girls are weak and need some sort of saviour in their life leading them to treat women like they are doing them a favor by simply being with them. All these images help to construct a cultural norm of male dominance. The depiction of forceful and aggressive men and tender and loving women teaches children that these are the norms of society and this is how you should act, when in reality you can be any of these traits no matter what gender. Gender Roles in fairytales By frankiem29

Conclusion Sentence Example Reviews & Guide

Conclusion Sentence Example Reviews & Guide Whispered Conclusion Sentence Example Secrets Needless to say, it's tough to end things. It's important to continue to keep things organized in the primary body of your writing. Attempting to locate unique concepts is one of the most intriguing events. however, it can also be exhausted whenever we couldn't discover the desired idea. It's possible to use a concluding sentence to state how you'd like to observe things change later on. Many writers don't realize that it closes out the last thoughts about this issue on which they're writing. Misleading readers could harm the basis for science and have an adverse influence on patient care. Your persuasive conclusion should provide a solution your audience can be part of. What to Expect From Conclusion Sentence Example? Utilizing a quotation initially or end of the paper gives an excellent impression. The abstract is the sole portion of the paper a possible referee sees when he is invited by means of an editor to review a manuscript. The abstract of a paper is the sole portion of the paper that's published in conference proceedings. Take your introduction and utilize it to earn a perfect ending for the whole paper. Each your part is dependent on other. There's a whole lot of pressure because, at times, the cover letter is the sole piece the recruiter will read. Don't forget, the closing of your cover letter is the main element that will allow you to land your next interview. Therefore, it must be a piece of writing that describes your achievements and how you will help the company succeed. The Dirty Facts on Conclusion Sentence Example Students must bear in mind 3 main differences. If you become good grades then you'll get into a great college. You need to realize that conclusion isn't merely a very simple overview of evidence you've provided in your primary region of the essay. A conclusion stipulates some last judgments on the most important subject of the text and terminates a topic on a rational point. You also ought to learn where and how to initiate a conclusion for an essay. If you would like to learn to compose a conclusion for an expository essay, you also will need to conc entrate on your primary idea and thesis statement. You want to give your reader the last comment about the whole topic you've been discussing. Your readers ought to be at ease as soon as they finish reading your writings. Speaking of narrative essays, you want to continue in mind that you're telling a story. Don't assume your audience will discover what should be done. When you're writing an excellent conclusion paragraph, you should consider the principal point that you would like to become across and be sure it's included. The conclusion of an autobiographical essay is just one of the most indispensable elements, and by examining the important elements of a prosperous conclusion it's clear what kind of sentences are included. Also, bear in mind that you don't add anything new in concluding sentences. A concluding sentence is utilized to signal your paragraph is coming to a finish. When you're requested to provide a persuasive speech, keep in mind that your last words are your most important. You most likely don't have an expert speechwriter, but it is still possible to make your ending memorable. That is to say, you wrap up the key points in 1 sentence. All the important essential points ought to be wrapped up and summarized.

Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen Perspective on Religion

American Literature II Authors: Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen: Perspective on Religion Susan Glaspell and Charlotte Gilman: Roles of Women W.E.B Du Bois and Booker T Washington: Political View In the 1920s, the somewhat genteel world of American poetry was shaken to its foundations when the Harlem Renaissance started. During those times, all over the United States, there was an outburst of strong black voices, writing with African-American cadences and rhythms. Moreover, during that period, generally different and diverse subject matters and styles subsisted in poetry. Furthermore, the blues and jazz clubs in†¦show more content†¦A similar God bids Cullen to sing. In the end, the poem offers more than the personal perspective of a Black poet. It speaks not just of the Black condition but of the human condition. All humans feel the irony of a life filled with petty cares, with mysteries, with struggle and with death, but a life brimming with the marvel of Gods great deeds, with the excitement of divine inspiration, and with an appreciation for the beauty of a poem well made. Langston Hughes was one of the first black men to express the spirit of blues and jazz into words. An African American Hughes became a well known poet, novelist, journalist, and playwright. Because his father immigrated to Mexico and his mother was often away, Hughes was brought up in Lawrence, Kansas, by his grandmother Mary Langston. Her second husband (Hughess grandfather) was a fierce abolitionist. She helped Hughes to see the cause of social justice. As a lonely child Hughes turned to reading and writing, publishing his first poems while in high school in Cleveland, Ohio. The speaker in The Negro Speaks of River delivers his claims in a cosmic voice that extends throughout all time and space. This voice includes all peoples. Hughes ancestry included three major race groups; he lived as an African-American (Hughes referred to himself as colored or Negro, because he was writing before the term African-American was accepted widely); his parents were African-Americans. But Hughes i nterests farShow MoreRelatedHarlem : A Middle Class White Community999 Words   |  4 Pagesvoices, writers, artists, musicians, scholars and poets who wrote with African-American rhythms broke out all over. And of this remarkable creative outburst, arose the voice of the poet, Langston Hughes. Born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902 to a mixed-race parents, who divorced at an early stage of marriage, Langston Hughes grew up around the suburbs of Kansas then began to write poetry in high school. His father wanted him to be a mining engineer so he attended Columbia University however, he dropped outRead MoreAfrican Americans : Slavery And Oppression1602 Words   |  7 Pagestroops remained in the South to ensure the slaves newly won freedom. Blacks started their own churches and schools, purchased land, and voted. The challenges facing Black leadership and how could those challenges be addressed through politics, religion, and civic engagement As the plight of African Americans in the South was beginning to worsen, Booker T. Washington, principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, was invited to speak before a bi-racial audience at the opening of the 1895Read MoreAfrican American Culture in a Modern American Dominant Sociology2841 Words   |  12 Pagesculture that has had and continues to have a profound impact on mainstream American culture. After emancipation, unique African-American traditions continued to flourish as distinctive traditions or radical innovations in music, art, literature, religion, cuisine, and other fields. Twentieth-century sociologists, such as Gunnar Myrdal, believed that African Americans had lost most cultural ties with Africa. Melville Herskovits and others researched using anthropological field and demonstrated that