Last week in the neighborhood my oldest children grew up, the police shot and killed and 18-year-old, high school football star. The police shot him four times in the back, after attempting to control him with bean bag shots. The young man turned to run back into his parent’s home, while holding a knife. The police were afraid this young man would hurt someone in the home. They had no choice but to protect his family.
A few days later the 911 calls were released to the media. His mother had called at 4:00 a.m. and told the dispatch 911 operator her son was drunk and suicidal, he had broken the front door down and several windows. The mother was completely hysterical and said, her son had threatened to kill his family and didn’t care if she called the police, he would like it if they killed him.
Apparently this boy showed no real signs of mental illness prior to this night. He had suffered from some depression over the summer due to the fact he would not be attending college. His depression increased as he watched his friends getting ready to leave for their colleges. That night he had been out with friends drinking, and by the morning he was dead.
Over the week with all of the controversy surrounding the fact the police shot a young man four times in the back, a few little details have come out. Nothing that is overwhelmingly indicative that this young man was suffering from mental illness. Just a few little things implying that during this summer he had shown some signs he was Unsafe, depressed and taking risks.
This must be the most horrible time for a parent. Watching a child lose sight of safety and crossing the line only to die at the hand of the police. It is very possible this young man never showed these symptoms in the past. He may have been perfectly well adjusted. Some mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia often don’t even show symptoms until late teens. Some people have stable homes, and great parents who provide structure and an environment where children, even children with mental illness, can thrive.
Growing up is difficult for most people, and tragic for many. Depression in early adulthood may be horrific. Suicide is not unheard of. In 2001 Suicide was the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-24.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. In 2001, 3,971 suicides were reported in this group (Anderson and Smith 2003).
- Of the total number of suicides among ages 15 to 24 in 2001, 86% (n=3,409) were male and 14% (n=562) were female (Anderson and Smith 2003).
- American Indian and Alaskan Natives have the highest rate of suicide in the 15 to 24 age group (CDC 2004).
- In 2001, firearms were used in 54% of youth suicides (Anderson and Smith 2003).
For any parent these statistics are alarming. My 23 year old son has had 3 friends commit suicide since graduation from high school. Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon’s son committed suicide just after starting college. It can happen to any parent. No matter where we live, social or economical status, we can even be a US Senator and face the devastation and loss of our child to suicide.
It is so easy as a mother to hear myself minimize some of the things my young adult children tell me bother them. “Oh, you will get through this, don’t be so worried.” I hear myself say far too often. It is difficult to know when to become very worried.
The National Center For Injury Prevention and Control Publishes the following information on Risk Factors:
The first step in preventing suicide is to identify and understand the risk factors. A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood that persons will harm themselves. However, risk factors are not necessarily causes. Research has identified the following risk factors for suicide (DHHS 1999):
- Previous suicide attempt(s).
- History of mental disorders, particularly depression.
- History of alcohol and substance abuse.
- Family history of suicide.
- Family history of child maltreatment.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies.
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment.
- Loss (relational, social, work, or financial).
- Physical illness.
- Easy access to lethal methods.
- Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts.
- Cultural and religious beliefs—for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma.
- Local epidemics of suicide.
- Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people.
These are the Protective Factors Published by The National Center For Injury Prevention and Control
Protective factors buffer people from the risks associated with suicide. A number of protective factors have been identified (DHHS 1999):
- Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders.
- Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking.
- Family and community support.
- Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships.
- Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes.
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation instincts.
It is a sobering experience to be writing this Blog. From the press releases and other information, including the 911 call from the mother, the boy who was shot last week actually claimed he wanted the police to shot him. The mother’s words while talking to 911 were, “He wants to commit suicide… He wants the police to Kill him… please don’t let my son die tonight…”
Related Blogs:
- Parents Need to Monitor Teens Online Usage
- School Problems Have Changed
- Recognizing Child Depression
- Depression-Symptoms and Treatment