Causes and Effects of Adolescent Suicide: Thirteen Reasons Why

Adolescent suicide is a problem that has been increasing at an alarming rate in recent years. Jay Asher’s novel, “Thirteen Reasons Why” brings this problem to light in a very real and relatable way. The book tells the story of Hannah Baker, a girl who takes her own life after enduring months of bullying and harassment from her classmates. The novel goes on to explore the thirteen reasons why Hannah felt she had no other choice but to end her life.

While “Thirteen Reasons Why” is a work of fiction, it highlights some very real and important issues that can lead to adolescent suicide. These include bullying, peer pressure, isolation, and low self-esteem. It is important to be aware of these issues in order to help prevent adolescent suicide.

Why Adolescent Suicide Is on the Rise

1. Social media plays a big role in the rise of adolescent suicides. With the constant pressure to appear perfect online, many teens feel like they can never measure up. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, which can contribute to suicidal thoughts.

2. The increased use of drugs and alcohol can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Teens who abuse substances are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.

3. Bullying is another major contributor to the rise of adolescent suicides. Victims of bullying often feel isolated, alone, and helpless. This can lead to suicidal thoughts and, in some cases, attempts.

4. Family history plays a role as well. If there is a history of mental illness or suicide in the family, teens are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.

5. Succeed can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. With the increasing pressure to get into a good college and have a successful career, many teens feel like they have to be perfect. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

6. Technology can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. With the constant access to social media and the 24/7 news cycle, many teens are exposed to a constant stream of negativity. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can contribute to suicidal thoughts.

7. Anxiety and depression can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Many teens suffer from mental health disorders that go untreated. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

8. Divorce can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Teens who come from broken homes often feel isolated and alone. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

9. Pressure to be perfect can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. With the constant pressure to appear perfect on social media and in real life, many teens feel like they can never measure up. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, which can contribute to suicidal thoughts.

10. School violence can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Teens who witness or are victims of school violence often feel unsafe and scared. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

11. Mental illness can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Many teens suffer from mental health disorders that go untreated. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

12. The loss of a loved one can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Teens who experience the loss of a friend or family member often feel isolated and alone. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

13. Self-harm can also be a factor in the rise of adolescent suicides. Teens who self-harm often do so as a way to cope with pain and/or trauma. This can lead to suicidal thoughts.

How to Prevent Adolescent Suicide by Jay Asher

So what can be done to prevent adolescent suicide? One of the most important things is to make sure that adolescents have access to mental health care. If you are concerned about a young person in your life, don’t hesitate to get him or her help from a mental health professional.

In addition, it is important to create a safe environment in the home. This means removing any firearms or other weapons that could be used for suicide. It also means keeping drugs and alcohol out of the reach of adolescents.

Finally, it is important to talk to adolescents about suicide. If you are worried that a young person in your life may be considering suicide, don’t be afraid to ask him or her about it directly. Talking about suicide can be difficult, but it can also be lifesaving.

If you are worried that a young person in your life may be considering suicide, don’t hesitate to get help from a mental health professional. Suicide is preventable, but it requires action on the part of adults to make sure that adolescents are getting the help they need.