Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Section 12-2 Your Mental Health 307
Suicide attempts are often
cries for help. Victims are asking
someone to understand and care.
People who attempt suicide rarely
wish to die. They just wish to end
life as they know it.
Teen Suicides
Some teen suicides correspond
to the following factors:
•
A breakdown of the family
support system. When the
family structure is not intact,
teens have fewer chances to
communicate with parents.
•
Intense competition. Teens
undergo intense pressure
competing for leadership
roles, athletic teams, part-time
jobs, college admissions, and
scholarships.
•
Peer rejection. Feelings
of rejection can lead to
depression. Teens can also be
easily hurt in relationships with members of the opposite sex.
Some teens express feelings of anger, depression, and anxiety through
harmful behavior. They may feel that life itself no longer matters. A sense
of failure at life can breed thoughts of suicide.
Suicide Prevention
Talk of suicide should not be taken lightly. If you suspect someone
is suicidal, immediately seek the help of a teacher, school counselor,
religious leader, or medical professional. Suicide prevention hotlines are
also available to help people deal with thoughts of suicide.
When People Need Help
People may need to seek help when they are not in top mental
health. First, they should try talking with family members or trusted
friends. If this does not resolve the feelings, a visit to a family physician
may be in order. The physician can rule out the possibility of a physical
illness that could cause depression. He or she will be helpful in locating
a mental health counselor if one is needed.
Maintaining mental health may not always be easy. However, people
should not feel there is nowhere to turn. Many mental health specialists
are available for counsel. Most school systems also have psychologists
and psychiatrists for students who need specialized care.
Life Skills
Handling Bullying and
Cyberbullying
Bullying is intentionally hurting or scaring
another person. People may be bullied verbally,
physically, or emotionally. Cyberbullying is the use of text
messages, e-mail, social media, or other digital mediums
to threaten, intimidate, harass, or otherwise cause harm to
another person.
Bullying and cyberbullying can negatively impact mental
health. Victims of bullying often have low self-esteem, are
depressed, feel lonely, and may consider suicide. Use the
following tips to handle bullying and cyberbullying:
•
Don’t be a bully. Bullying includes name-calling, sending
mean messages, excluding others, and attacking others.
•
If you are bullied, or if you witness bullying, tell an adult.
Report cyberbullying to the service provider and other
adults. If your life is being threatened, call the police.
•
Be kind to students who are bullied. Ask them to join your
group of friends.