What really is the definition of suicide? Suicide is a Latin word that means self killing. Suicides also means the taking of one's own life in a deliberate manner. Suicide may be compulsory, usually as an alternative to death at the hands of others. Or, it is thought to be committed for personal motives; depending on the time and place, it can be thought of as a heroic deed or it can be condemned by religious and civil authorities(Columbia).

Why do teenagers commit suicide? According to this poem written by a teenage suicide victim it is because he is in pain.

I find myself deep in a hole of sorrow.

(Hunter) Why are teenagers in pain? "There are too many problems for the modern teenager to deal with. Growing up as a teen today is ten times more difficult than it was just five years ago. As our society 'progresses'.... more and more responsibility is being placed on teens. We have become a very selfish society, and this causes pressure on the weakest link of our society....the teens (DeKonty)." Teens are also in pain because of the g

The Don'ts are: Don't worry about breaking the confidence if someone reveals suicidal plans to you. You may need to tell a secret to save a life.

It is easier to run away from problems than to confront them.

Listen and understand the feelings behind the words. Take every feeling the student expresses seriously.

Don't ignore signs. Ignoring confirms to the student that he/she is unloved or misunderstood.

I am not worthy of love because people do not always behave lovingly toward me.

Some of the misleading facts and beliefs that suicidal teen believe are:

Talking about suicide may give someone the idea to do it. Not true. You don't give a suicidal person unhealthy ideas by talking about suicide. Bringing up the subject and discussing it openly can be a powerful prevention tool(Myths).

Don't moralize or preach to the student.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1819
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)