Suicide Prevention Day was held last September 10. This year had an aim to spread further awareness of the daily stresses, the emotional and especially the mental struggles teens face. This is due to the fact that upon studying statistics and reports, researchers have found out that addressing the mental issues the youth face, at varying degrees, will be ultimately helpful in preventing deaths from suicide.
One study suggests that teens and young adults are the ones who are most at risk for suicide. Teenage age years are particularly dramatic, says one report. This is the life stage where one is more conscious about self-image.
As for young adults, they are at the time of their lives where much responsibility and maturity is expected from them not only by their peers and family members but also by themselves. A young adult's year is supposed to be promising, active and productive. The pressure seems to be the same, but because there is actually expectation for one to start gaining things by their name, the risk for developing anxiety and depression even after the slightest drawback at the workplace can kick a suicidal tendency.
Youth in Canada is given a particular attention when it comes to suicidal incidents and tendencies. This is after the statistics which suggest that suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15 to 25 year old individuals. As for 16 to 44 year olds, 16% of deaths in this age range are caused by suicide. This makes suicide the second leading cause of death among the youth in Canada with vehicular accidents being the first.
With this high prevalence, parents and teachers are urged to be mindful in encouraging emotionally healthy environs for teenagers at school and at home. Where openness in communication is present, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts are potentially shunned. Workplaces are also called to become fields where healthy emotional and mental development among co-workers are developed. In fact, employers are encouraged to give their workforce access to counselors not only to help them get more productive on their jobs, but also to make sure they get the amount of support they need even for their personal episodes.
