The influx of the rate of successful cases of suicide among teens paved the way for the film adaptation of the book The Virgin Suicides in 1999.  The novel, written by Jeffrey Eugenides in 1993, is generally about teen sexuality, teen depression, teen social interaction, parenting teens, and teen suicide.

The novel tells the tale of the five Lisbon sisters; five intriguing young women who all resorted to suicide as a means for “escape”. Confined by the maladaptive parenting patterns that the girl;s’ mother used on them, the novel portaryed the dynamic role that parents, and the society, can cause irreversible damage to the way teens perceive life. It also showed the importance of teens’ social interaction with their peers, and how the lack of interaction may bring more emotional and psychological effects to teens.

Issues on timidity and promiscuity were also delved into in the novel, reiterating that a teen’s outlook and behavior is very much dependent on her family environment, more so if he or she does not have a social environment where he or she can learn to perceive and relate to the rest of the world.

Interestingly, the novel was narrated by a bunch of young men who had been smitten by the charms of the Lisbon girls when they were still young. This produced a slightly confusing, yet a fresh and different twist to the novel.

Because the Lisbon girls had been successful in putting an end to their lives, the reality that suicide is a reality is highlighted. Plus, because the youngest Lisbon sister has attempted suicide once before before trying it, successfully, for the second time, emphasizes the fact that suicide is a recurrent thought. It cannot be dispelled from a person’s mind without seeking psychological help.

Most parents are generally perceptive; especially when it comes to their own teens. So when your gut-feel tells you that your teen might be having thoughts of suicide, do not let the matter drop as if it’s an issue that needs no further attention. Teen suicide is a complex issue that needs to be resolved with teens immediately. Otherwise, you might end up losing your teen.

Upon finding out that your teen is having recurrent thoughts of seriously hurting his or herself, a responsible way of dealing with the problem is to get help immediately. Contact your psychologist, psychiatrist, or your local mental health institution. While talking to your teen and trying to help him or her resolve his or her problems, it is still generally safer to seek medical advice.

Some parents tend to weaken their resolve to seek medical advice once their teens start saying that he or she is okay, and that he or she will be able to cope without help from doctors and experts in the field of psychology and psychiatry. Although your teen may genuinely feel that he or she can handle the situation on his or her own, this does not mean that she will not successfully harm himself or herself. Suicidal teens’ thoughts are subject to fluctuations, thus, recurrent thoughts of suicide may cause him or her to personal destruction.

Remember, even suicide attempts have irreversible damages.

In case of emergency, you can call (800) SUICIDE or (800) 999-9999 for help.

Suicide is one of the means by which people who cannot handle problems in life often resort to. It is very rare for children to have suicidal attempts, probably because children take problems on a different level as compared to adults. Plus, children are seldom burdened with the complexities of life at such an early age. But for teens and adults, suicide is altogether a different matter. More and more teens and adults resort to suicide to the extent that suicide is now observed as the leading cause of death among teens and adults.

People commit suicide and attempt to commit suicide based on different factors, the most common are those that involve troubles with family, money, and romantic relationships. Based on statistics, there are marked differences in suicide cases based on gender. Yes, gender also spells a difference in suicide methods and successful attempts at ending one’s life.

Records reveal that girls are more prone to commit suicide compared to boys. This is probably because girls use methods that are less harsh and less fatal than the methods used by boys. These include overdose of drugs and cutting themselves. Meanwhile, boys are found to be more successful in committing suicide because they tend to use guns. Thus, the chances of putting an end to their own lives are greater.