SAMOUBISTVA DECE I MLADIH
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT SUICIDE

Summary/Abstract: The subject of the presentation are suicides of children and adolescents, a phenomenon analyzed in the shadow of the fact that every year twice as many people are killed in the world than are killed in war (around 650-700 people commit suicide in Serbia annually, less then 10 percent adolescents and children). Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents, and in the 21stcentury the number of suicides or suicide attempts among children and adolescents is increasing. Many young people wait impatiently for their life to "begin", and when it seems too long, they see suicide as a way out. It is believed that disturbed family relationships in 80% of all cases of suicide attempts by children under 15 years of age are directly responsible for the complete failure of children to get involved in life. When society excessively "regulates" an individual, i.e. exerts excessive pressure, this often results in a feeling of life's helplessness. Young people are the second most frequent suicide age group, after the over 50 age group. They are killed due to drug addiction, alcoholism or affiliation with sects. Specific risk factors for young people are stressful situations such as school failure, poor communication with parents and the environment, problems with first loves, the influence of the media (which can cause the so-called "Werther" effect, or "Papageno" effect),availability of firearms, alcohol and drugs. Suicidal behavior is almost never an "impulse without reason" and black and white perception ("this will never go away") is more common among young people. Triggers are often cumulative, no single event is decisive. Stress, loss, conflicts, rejection, long-term helplessness accumulate. The type of dominant triggers for minors are peer violence(including online violence), school pressure, family conflicts, identity and belonging problems. Adolescent suicide is predominantly male, insecure, prone to depression and scared, who gets rid of his fear by being aggressive towards others and himself. In the case of minors (as well as adults), the background of suicide is feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, depression or anxiety. Loneliness is not seen as an isolated factor, but it is a frequent accompanying element with other factors. Even in young (much more often than in adults) potential suicides, timely support dramatically reduces the risk. A conversation that came "on time" often makes the difference, which in this case, is the difference between life and death.

• Details
• Contents