Build Self-Esteem; Prevent Suicide Among Children

Low self-esteem, bullying, depression, and feelings of helplessness have led to increased suicides, especially among youth. In the United States, suicide remains the fifth leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14, but it is the third among young adults ages 15-24. From a public health standpoint, suicide as well as attempted suicide is a serious condition that is fully preventable. Unfortunately, attempted suicide often leaves the individual alive yet severely depressed or in poor mental and physical conditions that cost society hundreds of dollars

Of those with the highest prevalence of suicide and depression prevalence, Pennsylvania is ranked 33rd, which is in the lower half of the country. This equates to 11.1 suicides per 100,000 people annually. According to the 2010 U.S. Census information, the state with the highest number suicides is Alaska. Overall, the suicide rates in the United States are low by comparison to the world. The former Soviet Union states continue to hold the record for the highest level of suicides. Belarus, which had a rate of 36.8 suicides per 100,000 people, has the highest number of suicides in the world followed closely by Lithuania. Korea, Japan, Switzerland, and France are also among the top 20 with the highest suicide rates. What’s going on? Why are worldwide suicides apparently common and popular among the younger generations?

Although most studies on suicide blame the decline in mental health services for the high rates, I would point toward learned helplessness and a worldwide display of apathy toward others that may be at greater fault for creating the indifferences noted around the globe. Suicide has been seen as a cry for help – but by the time suicide occurs, it’s too late to actually provide that help. One study from the United Kingdom suggests that family, friends, and neighbors need to be more concerned with each other, which had been the norm decades ago. I wholeheartedly agree. However, the current argument is that mental health issues need to be dealt with on a professional level, a public health level that seems to take family and friends out of the picture (for the most part). To reduce emotional distress that could lead to suicide, we can’t remove ourselves from the picture. We actually need to invest more in the situation – especially when we’re dealing with children and youth. Friends and family in particular are the ones who can detect problems long before professional help is sought. Why do we often fail to intervene? It’s probably because we don’t understand the problem, and hence shy away from it – hoping that it will just go away. Wrong approach.

The World Health Organization has strongly suggested a public awareness campaign – geared to assist with recognizing suicidal behaviors, especially among children, to help people know that they can be part of the solution. I believe we – as a society – need to understand the signs of declining mental health and be able to step in to avert a suicide. Strengthening positive behaviors and thoughts rather than reducing negative actions and mental processes seems to be one way that could improve children’s self-assessments. By focusing on the positive, children are able to gain increased self-esteem that wards off suicide or other self-destructive behaviors.

Signs of suicide or low self-esteem include feelings of helplessness, lack of interest in activities, seclusion from others, crying, and poor school work (or work). If your child, your neighbor, or your friend exhibits such behaviors, it may be time to talk with them…about anything! Simply spending time with them (i.e. take them for ice cream, go to the park, take a walk) may create a more positive social environment that will increase his or her self esteem. Research shows that focusing on the positive may be one of the best ways to build a child’s self esteem, rather than pushing to find out what is bothering the youngster. In some cases, the child might not understand or know why they are feeling so sad. Working to accentuate the positive may be the ticket to put a smile back on their face.

References

Cutcliffe, J. R., & Stevenson, C. (2008). Never the twain? Reconciling national suicide prevention strategies with the practice, educational, and policy needs of mental health nurses (part one). International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 17, 341-350.

Insider Monkey. (2011). Population density by state and suicide rates. Retrieved April 28, 2011, from http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/tag/suicide-rates-by-state/.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2010). Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention. Retrieved April 28, 2011, from http://www.mentalhealth.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-the-us-statistics-and-prevention/index.shtml#intro.

Owens, C., Owen, G., Lambert, H., Donovan, J., Belam, J., Rapport, F., & Lloyd, K. (2009). Public involvement in suicide prevention: understanding and strengthening lay responses to distress. BMC Public Health, 9, 308-317.

Thomson Healthcare. (2011). National Center for Health Statistics and Bureau of Census data. Retrieved April 28, 2011 from  http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-28-depression-suicide-numbers_N.htm#.