Woodbury Report, Inc
Bonners Ferry, ID

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How To Combat Teen Suicide

Stephen Ten Eyck
Discusses Teen Suicide
On The Woodbury Report
January 27, 2015

The third leading cause of death for teens and young adults ages 15-24, is suicide, and statistics show that 1 in 5 have seriously considered suicide and 1 in 10 have actually attempted suicide. Joining hosts Lon Woodbury and Mary Romero today on The Woodbury Report on K4HD.com was guest, Stephen Ten Eyck, who with his BS in Psychology and a Master's degree in Higher Education from George Mason University, has researched the methodology of mental health stigma reduction programming for student populations and suicide prevention in teen populations.

This discussion included an honest and unbiased look at ways we can address teen/pre-teen and young adult suicide and suicide prevention. "Often, stigma prevents people from 'outreaching' for help, with the thinking that "if I talk about it, they will be labeled, laughed at or think you are crazy" Stephen explained. There are contributing factors that can lead to suicide and suicidal thinking- an existence to mental health disorders, or substance abuse, family crisis or problems in a person's life: such as a 'breakup' with a partner. But, a person doesn't have to be diagnosed with mental health issues- there are different issues for different people. Bereavement of someone that has died from suicide, or as Mary added "suicidal contagion is very real and can be an active danger…and some kids do things for attention."

Some signs that may be apparent for those close to someone contemplating suicide include:
Giving away their personal possessions, the person becomes more reclusive (dropping friends), not quite acting like themselves, previous suicide attempts, sleeping- either all the time or not at all, acting out by engaging in dangerous, suicidal behaviors or self-harm. Stephen explained some safety measures a friend or parent can take if they are confronted with or approached by a teen in distress or having suicidal thoughts. The most important of all- IS TAKE IT SERIOUSLY, and if in a crisis or there is clear and present danger- call 911 immediately.

Kids need to have a "sliver of hope" and need to reach out to someone…if not a parent, a guardian, teacher, friend or counselor. They need to hear and to know that life is worth living and that hardships are not forever- that it will get better. "Suicide is an internal thought process" Mary shared and most likely, a close friend will notice first if their friend is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Get help and do not feel bad for calling 911- you are saving someone's life.

To contact
Stephen Ten Eyck
202-817-9212
stephenteneyck@aol.com


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