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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-10-13, Page 13Wednesday, October 13, 2004 Exeter Times—Advocate 13 Teen suicide a major problem in Canada By Andy Sedlak SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE EXETER — Suicide is a conscious act to end one's life. While this act to end one's life is, in general, a problem in Canada, teenagers are making the problem even worse. Teenage suicide has predominantly stayed at the same rate of 12.2 suicides per every 100,000 teenagers across Canada from 1980-2001. Over the past two years the teenage suicide rate has increased from 12.2 to 13 sui- cides per every 100,000 teens, and is now the second major cause of death, in Canada, by teens. Although committed suicide occurs three times as often by males, females attempt suicide three times as often. The main reasons for people who attempt suicide are they are living in overcrowded conditions, in conflict with their families, have had depressed childhoods, abuse drugs or alcohol, or have criminal behavior and violence in their lives. The individual under these stress- es will become anxious and depressed and usually react to one major crisis in their life. The motivation for sui- cide attempts are usually for relief from emotional pain or to communicate the way they are feeling. Teens who commit suicide are usually physically ill, abuse drugs or alcohol and need a change from an unbearable situation or they have the desire to cause pain to people through causing remorse or grief. Warning signs of teenage suicide: • A change in eating and sleeping habits. • Drug and Some alarming facts about teenage suicide: alcohol abuse. • Noticeable personality change. • • Two thirds of adolescents consider suicide before Violent reactions, rebellious behavior, running away. • graduating high school. Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, falling • One of every 10 students attempts suicide before grades. • Loss of interest in fun activities. • Focus on graduating high school. For example a teen will cut morbid or death themes. • Frequent complaints of him/herself, not deep enough to kill, but just to see what stomachaches, headaches and fatigue; these symptoms it feels like and to see if they can go through with it, or a are often related to emotions. • Non-acceptance for teen will take a handful of pills to see what it feels like, praise or rewards. • Prior attempt at suicide. • Family even though it won't be enough to kill them. history of suicide. • Complaints of feeling "rotten • People affected by a suicide think mostly about what inside." • Verbal hints such as "I won't be a problem to they could have done to help or save the person who has you much longer; nothing matters; it's no use; I won't committed suicide, but most of the time the person did see you again; I wish I was never born." • Putting not want help or to be saved and they made the decision affairs in order; cleaning room, throwing out or giving to commit suicide because they in fact wanted to die. away important belongings. • Suddenly becoming Teens who attempt suicide are rarely physically or cheerful after a period of depression. clinically ill or even considered severely depressed. As a student I believe that, according to the warning Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority fall colour car tour BAYFIELD — Come and enjoy all nature has to offer Wildlife Area, Clinton Conservation Area, local land for an afternoon. stewardship projects and all points in between. The On Sunday, Oct. 17, the Ausable Bayfield tour is approximately 150 km and will end in Clinton Conservation Authority (ABCA) will be hosting the first at the Dinner Bell Restaurant where participants are bi-annual fall colour car tour. invited to enjoy a complimentary dessert when they This year, the countryside of the Bayfield River order an entree, pasta dish or evening special. watershed will be featured. At each stop, participants will be given a piece to a Gather up a car load of family and friends and regis- puzzle that they will have to unscramble for prizes at ter between 1-2 pm at the gazebo in Clan Gregor the final destination. Square, just off Highway 21 in Bayfield. Nature oriented demonstrations and activities will be Participants will receive a tour package when they held at each conservation area. register that will detail the route to be taken as they There is a minimal charge of $5 per car load for the explore the Bayfield River watershed from mouth event to cover tour package costs. Donations are (Bayfield) to source (Dublin). always welcome to support the preservation of our Along the way, participants will visit the Bayfield natural areas. For further details contact the ABCA at Berry Farm for a complimentary coffee, Bannockburn 235-2610. signs, any teen in any school could be considered suici- dal at any given time. This makes it hard to know if a teen is actually suicidal. If you think you know someone who is suicidal and you want to find out, the best way is by approaching them in a regular day conversation and slowly start to ask them about topics related to suicide and finally, actually talk about suicide. If the person is suicidal and wants help, they will usually open up to someone who cares enough to ask. Parents, you should talk to your teen. All stats from www.statisticscanada.com — Andy Sedlak is a student in the Grade 11/12 Communications class at South Huron District High School. His story is part of a series of articles SHDHS students will write for the Times -Advocate this year. Financial Financial Problems? Worried? Embarrassed? We Understand. Call one of our friendly professionals for a free, confidential consultation 235-3328 or 235 -DEBT Convenient, flexible appointments to fit your schedule OFFICES IN EXETER & LONDON PRICFWATERHOUSEWPERS TRUSTEES IN BANKRUPTCY EXETER BUSINESS CENTRE 1-888-995-9909 476 Main St. S. (at Huron) 2nd Floor Better Health Care for Canadians: A 10 -year plan Working together, the Prime Minister, Premiers and Territorial leaders have signed a 10 -year plan, supported by $41 billion in new federal funding, that will lead to better health care for Canadians. Better Health Care Reduce waiting times • Improve access so that Canadians don't wait as long for key tests, treatments and surgeries More Doctors, Nurses and other Health Professionals • Plans to train and hire more health professionals while also developing faster accreditation for foreign -trained health professionals Expand home care • Provide better support for people being cared for or recovering at home Improve access to family and community care • Increase 24/7 access to doctors, nurses and other health professionals Better Access to Needed Medicines • A commitment to manage drug costs and ensure that no family is forced to choose between needed medicines and financial ruin Improved Aboriginal Health • New investments and better planning to close the gap between Aboriginals and other Canadians in terms of health Shorter Waiting Times The federal, provincial and territorial governments have committed to report clearly on the progress we are making in health care and, for the first time will report on progress in reducing waiting times. Comparable indicators ... so we can measure • Federal, provincial and territorial governments will use comparable information to report their progress in improving access to doctors, and to diagnostic and treatment procedures Benchmarks ... so we know what we are striving for • Federal, provincial and territorial governments will set medically acceptable waiting times — based on advice from medical experts — starting with cancer, heart disease, diagnostic imaging, joint replacement, and sight restoration Targets ... to drive change • Provincial and territorial governments will set their own targets and report annually to citizens on progress in reducing waiting times Canadians will see for themselves where their health care money is going and how it is making a difference. To obtain a copy of "The 2004 Health Care 10 -Year Action Plan at a Glance", call 1 800 0 -Canada (1 800 622-6232) or, to see it on the web, click www.canada.gc.ca/healthplan. 111 Government Gouvernement of Canada du Canada Canada