The Link Between Suicide and Depression
1. Introduction: Suicide and Depression
Depression is a mental illness that can have a number of different causes. It can be caused by a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, or it can be caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain. Depression is characterized by a number of symptoms, including sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of suicide.
The worst outcome of depression is suicide. Suicide is an awful deed in itself but it becomes even worse if committed by a child or an adolescent. TheLink Between Suicide and Depression explains that “suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24 years old” (The Link Between Suicide and Depression, 1). Suicide is preventable, but it requires early intervention and treatment for those suffering from depression.
2. The Link Between Suicide and Depression
The Link Between Suicide and Depression explains that “depression is the primary risk factor for suicide” (The Link Between Suicide and Depression, 1). This means that suicide is more likely to occur in those who are depressed. There are a number of reasons why this may be the case.depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, which can make someone feel like they have no reason to live. Additionally, depression can lead to impulsive behavior, which may cause someone to act on their suicidal thoughts without thinking about the consequences. Finally, depression can lead to isolation and withdrawal from social support systems, which can make it difficult for someone to seek help when they are feeling suicidal.
3. Suicide Among Children and Adolescents
Suicide is a problem among children and adolescents as well as adults. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that “suicide is the second leading cause of death for children and adolescents aged 10-24 years old” (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 1). This means that more children and adolescents die from suicide than from anything else except accidents. In fact, “suicide kills more young people than cancer does” (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 1).
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of suicide among children and adolescents. One factor is access to guns. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “firearms are the most common method of suicide for children and adolescents” (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 1). This is because guns are readily available and easy to use. Another factor that contributes to the high rate of suicide among children and adolescents is bullying. Bullying can lead to feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness, which can make someone more likely to attempt suicide.
4. Suicide Among High School Students
High school students are at a higher risk for suicide than any other group of people except infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1). This means that more high school students die from suicide than from anything else except accidents and homicide. The CDC reports that “the annual age-adjusted suicide rate increased from 6.9 per 100,000 standard population in 2000 to 7.5 per 100,000 standard population in 2007” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1). This means that the rate of suicide among high school students has been increasing in recent years.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of suicide among high school students. One factor is access to guns. According to the CDC, “firearms were the most common method of suicide for 15-24 year olds in 2007” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1). This is because guns are readily available and easy to use. Another factor that contributes to the high rate of suicide among high school students is bullying. Bullying can lead to feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness, which can make someone more likely to attempt suicide.
5. Suicide Among Minority Groups
Suicide is a problem among all racial and ethnic groups, but it is especially prevalent among certain groups. For example, the CDC reports that “the suicide rate for American Indian/Alaska Native youth aged 10-24 was 16.3 per 100,000 standard population in 2007… this was the second highest rate after non-Hispanic white youth” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1). This means that the rate of suicide among American Indian/Alaska Native youth is more than double the rate for non-Hispanic white youth.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of suicide among minority groups. One factor is access to guns. According to the CDC, “firearms were the most common method of suicide for American Indian/Alaska Native youth aged 10-24 in 2007” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1). This is because guns are readily available and easy to use. Another factor that contributes to the high rate of suicide among minority groups is bullying. Bullying can lead to feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness, which can make someone more likely to attempt suicide.
6. The Model Minority Myth
The model minority myth is the belief that all Asian Americans are successful and have no problems. This belief is harmful because it leads people to believe that Asian Americans do not experience racism or discrimination. Additionally, this belief leads people to believe that Asian Americans do not experience mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. However, this is not true. Asian Americans experience racism, discrimination, and mental health problems at the same rates as other groups of people.
The model minority myth is harmful because it leads people to believe that Asian Americans do not need help. This belief is especially harmful for those who are suffering from mental illness because it prevents them from seeking help. Additionally, this belief leads people to believe that Asian Americans do not experience mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. However, this is not true. Asian Americans experience racism, discrimination, and mental health problems at the same rates as other groups of people.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, suicide is a problem that affects all age groups and all racial and ethnic groups. However, it is especially prevalent among certain groups, such as high school students and minority groups. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of suicide among these groups, including access to guns and bullying. The model minority myth is harmful because it leads people to believe that Asian Americans do not need help. This belief is especially harmful for those who are suffering from mental illness because it prevents them from seeking help.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255