Kansas Child Death Review Board Promotes Suicide Awareness

March 19, 2007 -- The State Child Death Review Board (SCDRB) urges parents and caregivers to learn more about the dangers of adolescent suicide. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24 and the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents ages 10 and 14.

Kansas families are not immune to the risks of adolescent suicide. In 2004, the SCDRB comprehensively reviewed thirteen adolescent suicide deaths. Twelve of the thirteen suicides were male. The victims' ages ranged from 13 to 17.

Parents and caregivers need to be aware of certain warning signs in young people, especially if the signs are coupled with specific suicide risk factors.

Examples of warning signs are:
• depression
• giving away possessions
• abrupt changes in personality
• unusual sadness, reckless behavior
• chronic anxiety
• unwillingness to communicate
• previous suicide attempts

Examples of risk factors include:
• a romantic breakup
• an unexpected pregnancy
• a serious illness or injury to oneself or to a loved one
• a major loss such as a death or a divorce
• stress due to new situations, such as relocating to a new community or school.

Adults can help prevent youth suicide by talking with young people about suicide. When a youth is experiencing turbulent times, adults should offer encouragement and stability. If a young person is prone to attempt suicide, the removal of harmful objects (e.g. firearms, prescription or over-the-counter drugs, knives, etc.) from a home should be considered.

Additional resources for suicide prevention and mental health information:

1-800-273-TALK

http://suicidehotlines.com/kansas.html

http://www.kasp.org/Suicide/

http://www.suicidology.org/

http://www.spanusa.org/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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The SCDRB is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency board that examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of all Kansas children (birth through 17 years-of-age) and children who are not Kansas residents, but who die in the state. The goals of the SCDRB are to describe the trends and patterns of child deaths in Kansas, to develop prevention strategies, and to improve sources of data and communication among agencies. The Board works toward lowering child deaths in Kansas through research, education, and legislation.

For additional information, contact Angela Nordhus, Executive Director, at (785) 296-7970.