Preventing Adolescent Suicide In The United States

Background In recent years, adolescent suicide has become a more prevalent issue in the United States. To begin with, media has become an integral part in reporting adolescent suicide, which has created a spotlight on the issue. Stories about adolescent suicide become sensationalized and eventually end up as focusing events in certain communities. Suicide is the “the act or an instance of taking one 's own life voluntarily and intentionally especially by a person of years of discretion and of sound mind” (Merriam-Webster, 2016). This action has become a significant problem in the United States because it occurs predominantly plagues the adolescent age group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second …show more content…
Instead, there can be a variety of factors that can lead an individual to commit suicide such as health, environmental, and historical factors. Firstly, mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, antisocial disorders, anxiety, and psychotic disorders have a large influence on suicide. Secondly, environmental factors also contribute to an individual’s rationale behind committing or attempting to commit suicide. These can include: stressful life events, school life, social life, issues at home, drug abuse, or exposure to another individual’s suicide. Lastly, historical factors such as previous suicide attempts or a family history of suicide or suicide attempts can also largely affect an individual’s decision to take this action. Ultimately, suicide can be attributed to either one of this singular causes or more likely to a combination of these …show more content…
Currently, there are a limited number of programs available to adolescents struggling with suicidal thoughts. Additionally, it is necessary to determine who the providers of these services should be and the costs of this program. The program proposal will address the following