It is always particularly tragic when a young life ends. But it is somehow even more heartrending when that young person ends his or her own life. The American Psychological Association recently released a report on suicide amongst college students. In a survey of more than 26,000 students across 70 colleges and universities, at least half of the students reported having one or more incidents of suicidal thinking. Six percent of undergraduates and four percent of graduate students reported seriously considering suicide in the twelve months prior to completing the survey.
Studies suggest that young Latina suicide attempters had conflicts with their mothers that may have prompted their destructive behavior. Troubled Latina teens may feel torn between their traditional cultural beliefs and the pull of adolescence in a new culture.
One thing seems clear; across all age groups, growing levels of stress, and diminishing resources to cope with the consequences of an overload of stress, are leading to difficulties that can include depression, and worse. Family interventions that include stress management may help. But the first step is to recognize that a problem exists in the first place, and to seek help. Start by contacting a psychologist. For resources and more information, visit The American Psychological Association to find out about conflict resolution, and suicide prevention.
Leave a comment