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.