What are the causes of teen suicide? Why is youth suicide on the rise?

The adolescent years are particularly perceived as being an anxious and unsettling period for teenage boys and girls, as they face difficulties of transitioning into adulthood. It is a time in their lives where they often experience confusion, challenges, vulnerabilities and isolation from their family and friends. It is precisely during this period that, unfortunately, a few may resort to suicide as a permanent answer to their perceived problems.

That is why you may have observed the awareness being created to educate parents and children alike on the importance of mental health. The hope is that if symptoms of extreme depression are spotted earlier, then suicidal tendencies and ultimately deaths related to youth suicide can be avoided.

The Symptoms of Extreme Depression/Suicidal Thoughts are:

• Self-doubt, confusion and a constant feeling of being misunderstood.
• Intense pressure to succeed, socially and personally.
• Intense pressure to conform, to fit in and to be accepted.

The danger of committing teen suicide comes when one or more of these interfere in our ability to carry out our daily activities.

The following circumstances can cause these symptoms to arise:

• Pressure to excel in school
• Parental divorce
• Moving to a new city or state
• Bullying
• Peer pressure
• Emotional neglect
• Substance abuse
• Stress
• Mental disorder
• Mental or physical abuse
• Abusive parents
• Bad living conditions

How Spiritual Science can play a role in Youth Suicide Prevention

Spiritual Science provides in-depth knowledge of the causes of suicide and the solutions for the one who is contemplating taking their life. It also provides solutions to their family and friends.

Many individuals that have experienced extreme depression and suicidal thoughts have benefited from the spiritual understanding gained through Akram Vignan. These individuals have met or listened to Pujya Deepakbhai, the present enlightened being, who has shown the detrimental effects of suicide and its consequences on future lives. He has helped these individuals overcome such thoughts and shown them how to live a blissful life.

Stronger Parent/Teenager Relationships are at the root of Preventing Youth Suicide

Teenagers and their parents can sometimes feel like they are from different worlds. With so many expectations from both sides, sometimes getting along can seem virtually impossible. As a result, misunderstanding between parents and teenagers can become a daily issue, which turns into a cycle of arguments that causes increasing division between them.

In order to stop this division from happening and to foster loving relationships between teenagers and their parents, both parties should look at things from the other’s perspective.

How Parents should behave with their Teenage Children

• Try not to have any preconceived notions about your child; be open-minded.
• Be their friend, not their parent.
• Make sure your words do not hurt them; think before you speak.
• Speak to them in a civilized and respectable manner.
• Don’t keep nagging them.
• Listen to what they have to say and understand their point of view.
• Pay full attention to them when they are around you; take interest in their lives.
• Don’t blame or criticize them when they make a mistake. After things have calmed down, explain to them what they could have done differently.
• Behave the way you would like your child to behave.
• Focus on their good intentions rather than their external behavior.
• Stay calm and neutral.
• Be sensitive to the emotional state of your child.
• Remember that your children depend on you.
• Trust your children; don’t allow doubt or suspicion to enter within.
• Win your children over with love, such that they light up with joy when they see you and they never want to leave you.

How Teenage Children should behave with their Parents

• Remember that parents always want the best for their children.
• Don’t forget how much your parents have done for you. Be grateful for that.
• They love you, so love them back. Tell them how much you love them.
• Communicate openly with them.
• Listen to what your parents are saying.
• Learn to compromise in certain places.
• Don’t lie to your parents.
• Never steal; if you need money, then ask your parents for it.
• Don’t harbor any resentment or hatred towards your parents.
• Don’t see the negatives of your parents; focus on the positives.
• Reach out to your parents for help; they are always happy to provide support.