Why do teens choose to take their own lives? This question has mystified psychologists for years. No one can be certain of why exactly teenagers choose to kill themselves, however some experts have narrowed down their thoughts. Experts believe that teen depression leading to suicide all begins with the "breakdown of the family" (Peacock, Judith). However other experts disagree and say that violence in the media is to blame. However most all experts agree that one common factor that usually plays into suicidal thoughts is the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Suicide is a very permanent solution to a very temporary problem. According to Judith Peacock, "there is no single cause for suicide. Every suicide is different. Sometimes the cause is never known. In general, teens choose suicide to solve problems that overwhelm them. They may want to escape a desperate situation. They may want to stop negative thoughts and feelings. Suicidal teens may feel helpless and alone. Most often, they also are depressed" (Teen Suicide, page 10).
Judith goes on telling a story about a young girl named Allison who is 18. Allison finds out that she is pregnant and tells the father of the baby. The father wants nothing to do with the child and moves out of state. Allison, left feeling worthless and alone, feels that she can't tell her parents; the disappointment would be too much for her to bear. Allison decides that suicide is her only possible solution.
The American Psychiatric Association says, "Adolescents who consider suicide generally feel alone, hopeless and rejected. They are especially vulnerable to these feelings if they have experienced a loss, humiliation or trauma of some kind: poor performance on a test, breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, parents with alcohol or drug problems or who are abusive, or family life affected by parental discord, separation or divorce. However, a teenager still may be depressed or suicidal without any of these adverse conditions (Let's Talk Facts About Suicide, page 1).