Shocking, isn't it? No doubt, the Teenage is the happiest phase of life for some youngsters however a huge number of our youth are still suffering from mental health issues which are leading to a high rate of Suicide. On this Youth Day, it's crucial to address the alarming global issue of youth suicides. Let's spotlight this critical concern and explore effective strategies for prevention.
Highlights
1. Why do we celebrate International Youth Day?
2. What Is Suicide?
3. What Are The Reasons for the High Suicide Rate in Youth?
4. What to Do To Help Prevent Suicide?
International Youth Day was designated by the United Nations in 1999 and was first observed in the year 2000. It provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to highlight the importance of empowering youth and ensuring their well-being, education, and development.
#InternationaYouthDay
The loss of a young child through suicide has a devastating impact on their family, friends, and the entire community. Parents, siblings, friends, and teachers often struggle with complex emotions, including guilt and anger, while also pondering if there was something they could have done to stop the young person from doing suicide.
What Is Suicide?
Suicide refers to the tragic act of someone intentionally ending their own life. This is mainly driven by a sense of hopelessness, or frustration, or as an attempt to get out of a problem for which they fail to find out another way out.
The high youth suicide rate can be attributed to a complex interplay of various factors including :1
We know while growing up, especially during adolescence the body goes through many emotional, physical, hormonal, and mental changes. Sometimes many youths struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These conditions can lead to feelings of hopelessness increasing the risk of suicide.2
While trying to understand and adapting the physical and hormonal changes in their body bullying and peer pressure can severely affect their self-esteem and emotional well-being, pushing them toward thoughts of suicide.
High academic expectations, competition, and the fear of failure can cause extreme stress and anxiety among youth, making them vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.
Dysfunctional family dynamics, parental separation, abuse, and neglect can significantly impact a young person's mental health and contribute to suicidal ideation.
Sometimes at this stage without any proper guidance, they chose a path that leads to self-regret or guilt. They may feel isolated and lack a support system to help them cope with life's challenges, leading to a sense of helplessness.
The majority of our youth start consuming Alcohol and drugs. It ruins their physical and mental health. Once they become addicted they suffer loneliness, depression, and Anxiety.
What to Do To Help Prevent Suicide?
Promoting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet can indeed contribute to preventing youth suicide. While these factors are not standalone solutions, they play a crucial role in overall mental well-being and can complement other prevention strategies. Here's how they can help:
Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet can positively impact brain function and chemical balance. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. A nutritious diet provides essential nutrients that support brain health and mood regulation.
Practicing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, often integrated into a healthy lifestyle, can enhance emotional well-being by promoting self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional resilience.
A balanced diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing extreme energy crashes that can affect mood and exacerbate emotional distress. High sugar intake and processed foods have been linked to mood swings and increased risk of depression. A healthy diet focuses on whole, nutrient-rich foods.
A healthy lifestyle encourages a positive body image, which can protect against the development of self-esteem issues and body dysmorphia, contributing to improved mental health. Establishing healthy habits like regular meals and exercise routines can provide structure and stability, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with mental health challenges.
Preventing youth suicide requires a combination of efforts from the healthcare sector, education system, families, and society at large. By addressing the underlying causes, promoting mental well-being, and ensuring access to appropriate care, we can work toward reducing the distressing rates of youth suicide.
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