Causes of Suicidal Thoughts
Today's video is a deep dive into the root causes of suicidal thoughts.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 5 youth ages 13-18 experiences a severe mental health condition at some point during their life. 75% of these conditions show up by age 24. According to the CDC, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. However, NAMI announced suicide as the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10-34, confirming that adolescent suicide is on the rise nationally.
Such statistics are of great concern. The growing prevalence of mental illness among society, warrants further investigation of practical steps that can be taken to change the trajectory of mental health conditions for future generations.
The prominence of mental health conditions appears to be lifting the stigma for seeking out care. New research that examines the use of mental health services among students at on-campus facilities found a 4% increase since 2009 (Oswalt et al., 2018). Though the data may point to the increasing presence of mental health conditions, the study also revealed that three-quarters of students acknowledged their willingness to use services in the future (Oswalt et al., 2018).
If American culture is beginning to recognize mental health, perhaps there is a way to foster mental health habits among adolescents who are still developing.
This video focuses on Experiential Avoidance as an underlying cause of suicidality. Experiential avoidance (EA) is a response pattern characterized by unwillingness to remain in touch with difficult private experiences (Hayes et al., 2006). Findings from the literature suggest that up to a quarter of the variance among behavioral health problems can be explained by EA (Fernández-Rodríguez et al., 2018). Although the avoidance of difficult inner experiences may ease psychological pain in the short-term, it paradoxically worsens distress over time (Bardeen, 2015).
Brain wiring and heightened emotionality during adolescence may contribute to the use of EA as a dominant strategy for emotional distress (Murrell et al., 2014). Mental health problems often seen in the adolescent population including mood disorders, suicidality, cutting, disordered eating, and substance abuse all share the behavioral tactics of EA to escape or alter unwanted events (Murrell et al., 2014). Adolescents who demonstrate excessive use of EA strategies may be more susceptible to psychological problems and suicidal ideation.
Talk or threats of suicide should be believed and help provided. The suicide prevention lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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I'm Ashley Waknine, a therapist and life coach making weekly videos about mental health and self-management.
VIDEO CREDIT/REFERENCES
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CONTACT
Business email: [email protected]
FIND ME HERE
Website: https://www.ashleywaknine.com/
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If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, please go to the closest emergency room or call a local emergency number.