SUICIDE
Ely Kunerth, Hour 5
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death, most commonly by the use of an available firearm. Suicide is often committed out of despair, frequently paired with a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, and/or drug abuse.Stress factors such as financial difficulties or family struggles often play a role as well.
Media Influences
The mass media significantly influences the prevention of suicide worldwide. This may include everything from books to movies and television shows, including Cyberbully, a short film that first came out in early 2011 by ABC Family demonstrating the seriousness of cyber-bullying and how badly a person can be affected. Books influencing the prevention of suicide include but are not limited to: My Heart Stopped Beating,(Charmed, 2011), Teen Suicide(Claire Wallerstein, 2003), and Eight Stories Up: An Adolescent Chooses Hope Over Suicide(DeQuincy Lezine, 2008).
Interpersonal Communications
If you or anyone else around you is struggling with suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviors, it's very important to contact a trusted adult immediately. This can include therapists, counselors, and teachers, as well as police officers and suicide hotlines (1-800-273-8255).
Immediate and long term effects of suicide
If a suicide is successful, immediate consequences include not only death, but the grieving of friends and family members affected by the suicide. In the long run, a suicide may lead to future family problems and difficulties such as depression, multiple symptoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and other behavioral problems. The only positive aspect of suicide is the raise in awarement of bullying and harassment among teens and young adults. Many people begin to actively participate in suicide prevention programs after the loss of a loved one.
Suicide Advances
In recent years, suicide has become a lot more concerning issue than every before. Our society takes suicide a lot more seriously. As a result, many different organizations have been created to help lower the rates of suicide in the United States, such as the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, which delivers speeches and hands out flyers at public schools nationwide. Many doctors are beginning to prescribe anti-depression medication to reduce suicidal thoughts and/or actions, such as Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa and many more currently on the market today.