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Teenage Suicide

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Teenage Suicide
Teenage Suicide:
The Fallen Ones
Introduction: Teenage suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 19.
I. Causes of teenage suicide
a. Bullying
b. Problems at home
c. “heartbreak”/ low self-confidence
II. Bullying
a. Verbal
b. Physical
c. Internet
III. Problems at home
a. Divorce
b. Grades dropping
c. Acceptance
IV. “Heartbreak”/ Low self-confidence
a. Breakup
b. Death in family
c. Depression

Sherrill 1
Jessica Sherrill
Mrs. Lee
English III
28 April, 2011

Teenage Suicide:
The Fallen Ones

Suicide is the act of taking one’s life. Suicide is a tragedy at any age. It is especially tragic when it happens to a teen. Teens that kill themselves miss out on many opportunities out in the world. Teenage suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 15 and 19. Nearly 5,000 teenagers commit suicide each year. Hidden suicides, deaths that are considered an accident such as car wrecks and drug overdose, could raise this number even higher. For every suicide committed, there are 25 suicide attempts made. According to Judith Peacock, author of Teen Suicide, the number of teen suicides has tripled since the 1950s. White males have the highest suicide rate among teens. However, the suicide rate for African American males ages 15 to 19 has increased 165 percent since 1980. This is the largest increase for teens. African American males now have suicide rates almost as high as white males.

Causes of Teenage Suicide No one is sure why more teens today are taking their lives, than ever before. There is no single reason why teens kill themselves. Teens who kill themselves want to escape overpowering problems and painful feelings. Lack of experience and problem solving skills contribute to teen suicide. The number one cause of teenage suicide is untreated depression. There are many different causes for this tragic event. Other than depression, bullying, problems at home, and ‘heartbreak’/low



Cited: Peacock, Judith. "Chapter 1: The Facts About Teen Suicide." Teen Suicide (2000): 4. Book Collection: Nonfiction. EBSCO. Web. 5 May 2011. Marcovitz, Hal. "Chapter 1: Rock Bottom." Teens & Suicide (2004): 2-5. Book Collection: Nonfiction. EBSCO. Web. 5 May 2011 Lindsey Tanner Associated, Press. "What leads teens to try suicide?." Toronto Star (Canada) n.d.: Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 6 May 2011. Beard, David. "House committee endorses teen-suicide bill." Dominion Post, The (Morgantown, WV) 03 Feb. 2011: Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 6 May 2011. Smith-D 'Arezzo, Wendy. "Suicide Information for Teens: Health Tips about Suicide Causes and Prevention." School Library Journal 51.8 (n.d.): 148-149. Literary Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 6 May 2011.

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