Suicide rate at all-time high among teens

New Delhi: Fifteen-year-old Darshan was a ninth standard student who had never failed an exam in his life, but on 7 March, he came back from school went upstairs and hanged himself.

In a suicide note, Darshan had written that he could not bear the harassment he faced in his school everyday.

In fact statistics reveal that suicide rate among young teens and young adults have increased by almost 300 per cent.

Research says that suicide is the sixth leading cause of death among six to 14-year-olds and the third leading cause for 15 to 25year olds.

A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences says over a 1,000 young adults of 15 to 29 committed suicides in Bangalore in 2005.

But what really goes on in the adolescent mind before it decides to take that final plunge? Experts find out that it is never an impulsive decision, but rather a well thought out process.

Increased incidence of childhood depression and decreased family support add to it.

Coping is basically a learned behaviour the way we function under stress is more a learned behaviour for example one child under stress may perform very great at the same time the other child may find it very difficult to cope with it depending on child's growth and the way he has learned to cope with it. It determines in the adolescent how he would cope up with those problems.

But, how do you know if your child is edging towards self harm?

Consultant Psychologist, Dr Rakhi Anand says, "Your child will behave very differently all of a sudden. He may start sitting and mourning in his own room, sitting isolated from his friends. He may give away lot of things that he has been very fond of and may behave in a way as if life is very cool now onwards or if he was disturbed sometime back, then may become very cheerful."

Exam time is a very stressful period specially if your child is preparing for boards so keep an eye on how your child is reacting to all the stress and if he is not taking it too well then help him relax and deal with it.

Once you are aware of your child's tendency of self harm you need to, start communicating with him and tune in to his or her world after you return from work.

You also need to listen and talk it out, but don't be judgemental. And if possible don't leave the child alone. If you feel you need, seek help from a professional.

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