Three teen suicides in the past two weeks have devastated the Edmond, Oklahoma, community and left classmates and teachers searching for answers and solace.
“We are deeply concerned about teen suicide in this district, and we are sensitive to the grief and families of those young men,” said Susan Parks-Schlepp, spokeswoman for the Edmond School District.
“We don't have at this point any indication that these incidents are connected in any way.”
All three teen boys died of shotgun wounds to the head while in their homes, according to Edmond police reports.
An eighth-grader at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School died Jan. 13. He was 14 years old.
Five days later, another student died.
He was 17 and attended Edmond Memorial High School.
And Thursday night, a 17-year-old student from Edmond North High School took his own life.
Edmond Public Schools and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City responded to the tragedy with additional counselors and a renewed emphasis on suicide prevention.
“Being in a school where faith is our primary existence, they can talk to students about the context of God's love for us and pray for the family and pray for the students,” said Sister Catherine Powers, superintendent of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Catholic Schools.
At Edmond North High School, about 50 students who knew the teen well received counseling Friday. A few chose to leave school.
A letter was emailed to parents of students at the school with facts about the student death and suicide prevention information, Parks-Schlepp said.
“We have worked very hard at our high schools to make sure that students know that they are cared for, that they are appreciated for who they are and that they have a voice,” Parks-Schlepp said.
“One suicide is one too many.”
The Edmond Police Department is working with the public schools to develop an anti-suicide campaign, spokeswoman Glynda Chu said.
“Communication is so important,” Chu said.
“Talk to them about what is going on in their lives and let them know someone is there for them. Be careful, don't leave medication unaccounted for and keep your guns locked up. Parents just need to be aware.”
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
In 2009, almost 37,000 Americans killed themselves, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Troubling for others
The string of suicides likely have shaken up students throughout the area, said Lisa Harper, development director of HeartLine, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention in Oklahoma.
“It can be very difficult for other students to understand why those students chose that path,” Harper said.
“They may also be emotionally conflicted, really wanting to understand what happened and understand their own feelings, as well.”
Tributes to the teens have sprung up on Facebook, where students are posting comments and photos.
The key, she said, is for students to be able to talk about what's happened. Parents can play a key role.
“It's an uncomfortable topic and an uncomfortable discussion,” Harper said.
“But just speak with them directly about it. The parents have to be great listeners.”
While there's no indication these deaths were related, Harper said adults should be vigilant.
“Sometimes there is something called the contagion effect where (suicides) can happen in clusters,” she said.
“We do sometimes see it in clusters, especially when there's media attention and some students may feel that they see someone else receiving a lot of love and memorialization after the death, and they feel like that's a way for them to leave an impact.”
By the numbers: Youth suicides
According to the most recent available data from a 2009 study, suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States. Among young adults between the ages of 15 and 24, it is the third-leading cause of death.
• 36,909: People who committed suicide
• 265: Suicides among ages 5 to 14
• 4,371: Suicides among ages 15 to 24
• 14.9: Percentage of Oklahoma high school students who have strongly considered suicide, compared with 13.8 percent nationwide
• 7: Percentage of Oklahoma high school students who have attempted suicide, compared with 6.3 percent nationwide
• 8.1: Percentage of female high school students who have attempted suicide, compared with 4.6 percent of male students
SOURCE: National Vital Statistics Report “Deaths: Final Data for 2009,” and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Warning signs of suicide
Several behavior changes may serve as suicide warning signs:
• Talking about suicide or the desire to die
• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or a burden to others
• Drastic changes in behavior, such as anger, sadness or recklessness
• Unusual eating or sleeping patterns
• Isolation or withdrawal
• Giving away of prized possessions
• Increased alcohol or drug use
SOURCE: HeartLine and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1 comments:
Considering the pressure our teens are into, it wouldn’t be shocking to know that they consider suicide as an option. Those who commit suicide are those that are not strong enough to endure the obstacles that are on their way to success. Since they are not strong enough then they must require help either from their parents, friends, love ones or professionals that can help them.
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