Suicide Amongst High School Students - Essay Example

It is difficult to think of the mortality rates in the context of suicide and this has resulted to significant confusion in addition to the under emphasis given to it from a scientific and a clinical point of view. In the contemporary world, teenage suicide has become increasingly controversial in society (Bullying Statistics, 2009). It has been a topic that has hit numerous headlines and continues to have adverse effects on the youth. Currently, suicide is the eight leading cause of death among the young adults between fifteen and twenty four years in America (Bullying Statistics, 2009).

This is shocking owing to the fact that teen suicide is highly preventable. There are several misconceptions surrounding the issue such as, when an individual is contemplating suicide they show no warning signs. This is wrong since individuals always showing warning signs for instance, they talk a lot about death, exhibit self destructive habits and a general change in behavior. These beliefs have contributed to the increasing cases of suicide. The principal cause of suicide has been proven to be mental illness (WebMD, 2011).

Other leading causes include bullying, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, physical and sexual abuse. Undoubtedly, bullying is the leading cause of teenage suicide amongst high school students. It has been a widely discussed issue over the years and a call for action is necessary in the future. Although people are starting to take the issue more seriously, a lot more should be done to minimize the number of cases of bullying. Recent studies have revealed that most bullying occurs in the elementary and high school years and a huge percent of the population attests to have been a victim of it (Bullying Statistics, 2009).

The best example of a bullying incidence that resulted to suicide is the Tyler Clementi’s story. He was a freshman at Rutgers University who committed suicide after his roommate threatened to broadcast his sexual rendezvous with his partner on the internet. This incidence attracted the attention of the general public and celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Ellen DeGeneres and Elton John began posting videos to reach out the teens to stop bullying. It is clear that bullying has become a prevalent problem in the modern society.

It affects the victims and the end results are devastating, suicide is just one of the many effects of public. The society and the relevant parties should come together and strategize on how to stop bullying. This is because society is directly or indirectly involved in putting an end to it (Bullying Statistics, 2009). As earlier discussed there are a number of myths that surround the topic and they should be appropriately addressed to make it easier for people to learn how to deal with the problem.

There is a common perception that suicide cannot be prevented and that the victims of suicide suffer from some sought of depression. This notion is not necessarily true and people accept it because it is convenient and easy to accept. As earlier explained people contemplating suicide will show some warning signs before they follow through the act. Family and friends should be on the lookout for these signs and offer the necessary support. Depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia also play a key part in teenage suicide (Bullying Statist