Suicide among younger generation is increasing in recent years. Teens who are thrown towards suicide are under lot of stress, confusion, low self-esteem, pressure to avoid failure (especially in children appearing for exams) and others fears while growing up. Sometimes infatuation and violence may provoke a teen into committing suicide and violence to others.

Warning signs of a child who may try to commit suicide:-
- Teen having a low self esteem and self doubts
- Teen making statements like "I won't be here to trouble you much longer"
- Puts all his work in order for e.g. cleans his room, gives away precious
   belongings etc.
- Sudden cheerfulness after a period of depression
- Teen having bizarre thoughts.

Teenagers prone to suicide are:-
- Teens on drugs and alcohol abuse
- Rebellious teens (running away from home, violent behavior)
- Teens having marked depression
- Teens with high family pressure to succeed.

Always take the statement made by the child of killing oneself seriously and seek evaluation from a doctor. With strong family support and professional treatment, teenagers who are suicidal can be turned to a more healthy way of development.

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Last updated 17-03-2001