Suicide in young people: facts and characteristics of this phenomenon

Unfortunately, youth is a stage of life in which suicidal behavior is not a rarity, at least statistically. Especially if we look at adolescence, it is observed that this psychologically complex transition stage has a negative impact on the mental health of many people.

In this article we will focus on the phenomenon of suicide in young people, as well as in the psychological processes linked to it.

• Related article: "The 3 stages of adolescence"

What is suicidal ideation?

To understand the phenomenon of suicide from the point of view of Psychology, it is essential to first know the concept of suicidal ideation. This is the tendency to think repeatedly about the idea of ​​taking one's own life, with varying degrees of detail and that it does not have to do with a simple exercise of creativity (for example, "practice" to write a novel thinking about how the protagonist thinks).

Furthermore, suicidal ideation can be passive or active; in the first case, the person thinks about the fact that he is not interested in continuing to live, and in the second, he reflects about possibilities about how to commit suicide, that is, he performs "experiments" in his imagination about the technical aspects of how he commits suicide. would do.

Keep in mind that not everyone who attempts suicide develops suicidal ideation consistently; For example, a person may more or less spontaneously and unexpectedly try to kill himself during a psychotic break or when he sees a relative die unexpectedly.

On the other hand, suicidal ideation is difficult to detect; many people actively hide that such ideas are on their minds, and it is estimated that roughly 60% of those who commit suicide had not reported having been experiencing ideation suicide.

• You may be interested in: "Mental health: definition and characteristics according to psychology"

Key ideas about suicidal behavior in young people

These are the keys to understanding the way in which adolescents tend to experience the urge to commit suicide.

1. How fucking common is it for young people to think about committing suicide?

It is estimated that, in Western culture countries and in their areas of influence, between 5 and 25% of adolescents are experiencing or have recently experienced suicidal ideation.

In addition, it is estimated that in adolescence, of those who present persistent suicidal ideation, approximately 47% affirm have planned in detail how to commit suicide and around 24% even attempt to kill themselves at least once. In addition, the majority (about 70%) of those who reach the point of trying to commit suicide and have developed suicidal ideation do so in the same year in which it begins to occur.

Secondly, the part of adolescence in which suicidal ideation is most common is the one between the ages of 13 and 19, that is, from the last phase of puberty to post-adolescence.

2. There is not always a disorder behind the desire to commit suicide

Assuming that all people who commit suicide or who attempt suicide have a diagnosable disorder implies assuming a very simplifying idea of ​​this reality. It is not necessary to meet the diagnostic criteria for psychopathology to experience suicidal ideation, although this is a symptom of many of them.

The psychological disorders that most overlap with suicidal ideation are major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder.

3. Self-esteem problems are especially important in suicidal behavior during adolescence

In the case of adolescence, self-esteem problems caused by changes in the body and identity crises due to the transition between childhood roles and those of adult life, as well as the need to acceptance by the peer group, seem to be an important factor regarding the ideation suicide.

• You may be interested in: "Do you really know what self-esteem is?"

4. Previous attempts are the main risk factor

The fact that a teenager has tried to commit suicide before is the main predictor that she will try again, above whether or not there is a diagnosis of a psychological disorder.

Additionally, people who are not heterosexual and / or are not cisgender are also at higher risk of suicidal ideation. The latter is relevant, because it is in adolescence when you begin to become aware of your own sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Related article: "What is sexual identity?"

Are you looking for psychological support for young people and adolescents?

If you want to have psychotherapeutic support for young people who feel bad or may have developed suicidal ideation, Get in contact with us.

We attend in person in Malaga and also through online therapy.