ខ្មែរ
English
The teenage years are filled with significant stress and transformation, influenced by hormonal changes, social pressures, and various life challenges that can affect a young person’s mental well-being.
When a teenager shows signs of suicidal thoughts or attempts, it’s vital to avoid placing blame and instead seek professional assistance. Healthcare providers can help identify underlying issues and suggest appropriate treatment options. Signs of suicidal ideation may include discussions about death or suicide, expressing a desire not to have been born, withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, changes in daily routines, and engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
Depression is a major contributor to suicide among teens. It is a complex medical condition, not a sign of weakness, and is influenced by brain chemistry, which affects emotions and thought patterns. Various factors can lead to depression, including traumatic life events such as the loss of a loved one or experiences of bullying, personal challenges like health issues or low self-esteem, and a family history of mental health disorders. Some adolescents may suffer from chronic depression, while others may experience episodic bouts, and some might resort to substance abuse as a way to cope.
Other mental health issues, such as anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, can also be linked to suicidal thoughts.
Maintaining open lines of communication with teenagers is essential, as they may attempt to conceal their struggles. Encourage them to express their feelings, listen to their worries, and reassure them that help is accessible. They might feel more at ease discussing their issues with someone other than a parent, such as a relative, therapist, or trusted adult.
A teenager’s intentional act of ending their own life, can occur either impulsively or as a result of careful planning. It’s important to recognize that suicide attempts do not always lead to death; often, they may signal a desperate plea for help rather than a true wish to die.
