The Alarming Increase in Suicide among Latino Teenagers
The suicide rates for adolescent boys and girls have been steadily rising since 2007, according to a new report from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) 2013). Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24 in the U.S. (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2013). However, with the surge in teenage suicide, there is one demographic that is dealing with an alarming increase in teenage suicide.
The Latino teenage population currently has the highest rate of suicide attempts among all adolescent groups in the U.S. according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2015 youth high-risk behavior. This has also escalated …show more content…
There are also many variables that can contribute to thoughts of suicide ideation and eventually suicide. The chart below illustrates common variables that can lead to teenage suicide. Because this paper focuses on the Latino youth suicide rate, the list incorporated acculturation issues as a factor in this growing trend in the Latino culture. For some Latino youth and families acculturation is a serious process for them. They are dealing with psychological, social changes, cultural and a blending of cultures. Mentally it can possibly be overwhelming for teenagers to adapt.
For teenagers the transition from childhood to adulthood can be challenging. Add to that the cultural norms and other factors that must be considered when blending into society. Table 1. Potential Factors Contributing to the Latino Teenage Suicide Increase
Source: …show more content…
Hopefully this will help those contemplating suicide to reach out and seek help without feeling stigmatized. There is a growing need for counselors, and mental health workers who are culturally sensitive to the needs of the underserved communities. They also need to be knowledgeable about community-based interventions to deal with the growing rate of Latino youth suicide. There are racial and ethical differences specific to youth when dealing with the topic of suicide (Goldston, et.al., 2008). In order to properly address the concerns mental health workers who are helping with this issue should understand the culture, identity, and family dynamics of the Latino
The suicide rates for adolescent boys and girls have been steadily rising since 2007, according to a new report from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) 2013). Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24 in the U.S. (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2013). However, with the surge in teenage suicide, there is one demographic that is dealing with an alarming increase in teenage suicide.
The Latino teenage population currently has the highest rate of suicide attempts among all adolescent groups in the U.S. according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2015 youth high-risk behavior. This has also escalated …show more content…
There are also many variables that can contribute to thoughts of suicide ideation and eventually suicide. The chart below illustrates common variables that can lead to teenage suicide. Because this paper focuses on the Latino youth suicide rate, the list incorporated acculturation issues as a factor in this growing trend in the Latino culture. For some Latino youth and families acculturation is a serious process for them. They are dealing with psychological, social changes, cultural and a blending of cultures. Mentally it can possibly be overwhelming for teenagers to adapt.
For teenagers the transition from childhood to adulthood can be challenging. Add to that the cultural norms and other factors that must be considered when blending into society. Table 1. Potential Factors Contributing to the Latino Teenage Suicide Increase
Source: …show more content…
Hopefully this will help those contemplating suicide to reach out and seek help without feeling stigmatized. There is a growing need for counselors, and mental health workers who are culturally sensitive to the needs of the underserved communities. They also need to be knowledgeable about community-based interventions to deal with the growing rate of Latino youth suicide. There are racial and ethical differences specific to youth when dealing with the topic of suicide (Goldston, et.al., 2008). In order to properly address the concerns mental health workers who are helping with this issue should understand the culture, identity, and family dynamics of the Latino