The Problem of Teenage Suicide :: Teenage Suicide Essays

The Problem of Teenage Suicide Most everyone at some time in his or her life will experience periods of anxiety, sadness, and despair. These are normal reactions to the pain of loss, rejection, or disappointment. Those with serious mental illnesses, however, often experience much more extreme reactions, reactions that can leave them mired in hopelessness. And when all hope is lost, some feel that suicide is the only solution. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, scientific evidence has shown that almost all people who take their own lives have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder, and the majority have more than one disorder. In other words, the feelings that often lead to suicide are highly treatable. That’s why it is imperative that we better understand the symptoms of the disorders and the behaviors that often accompany thoughts of suicide. With more knowledge, we can often prevent the devastation of losing a loved one. Now the eighth-leading cause of death overall in the U.S. and the third-leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, suicide has become the subject of much recent focus. U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, for instance, recently announced his Call to Action to Prevent Suicide, 1999, an initiative intended to increase public awareness, promote intervention strategies, and enhance research. The media, too, has been paying very close attention to the subject of suicide, writing articles and books and running news stories. Suicide among our nation’s youth, a population very vulnerable to self-destructive emotions, has perhaps received the most discussion of late. Maybe this is because teenage suicide seems the most tragic—lives lost before they’ve even started. Yet, while all of this recent focus is good, it’s only the beginning. We cannot continue to lose so many lives unnecessarily. Some Basic Facts In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. In 1996, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among college students, the third-leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24 years, and the fourth- leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 years. From 1980 to 1996, the rate of suicide among African-American males aged 15 to 19 years increased by 105 percent. It is a hopeful sign that while the incidence of suicide among adolescents and young adults nearly tripled from 1965 to 1987, teen suicide rates in the past ten years have actually been declining, possibly due to increased recognition and treatment.

Looking for Alaska Essay

In Looking for Alaska by John Green, the protagonist, Miles â€Å"Pudge† Halter, is very dynamic. In the beginning of the book, Pudge had no friends and was looking for what he calls the â€Å"Great Perhaps.† So he goes away to boarding school and meets â€Å"The Colonel†, Takumi, Lara, and Alaska. They were all immediate friends but Alaska and Pudge were drawn to each other. Pudge went from only having his mother and father at his going away party to having lifelong friends that really care about him. An important personality trait Pudge has that helps him grow throughout the story is How does the main conflict in the story impact the protagonist’s development? (Think about how the conflict gets resolved and its influences on the protagonist) Reader’s Discovery In Looking for Alaska, John Green demonstrates that even after tragedy, life always goes on. Connecting Literature to Reality All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. To me, this quote means that not all changes are for the better. Sometimes things happen that make someone or something worse than before. A change can either be good or bad; a step forward or backward. Examples: 1) If one or both of your parents lose their job, then that could be a bad change for your whole family. You might not be able to afford some things. 2) Failing a grade could be considered a step back instead of a step forward. 3) Having a serious injury could also be a step backward. You might not be able to do as much as before.

Difference Between Learning Degree & On Campus Degree

Over the past decade, increasing numbers of students of all ages and backgrounds have enrolled in distance learning degrees through the Internet. The two forms of college education, the traditional on-campus degree and this new distributed learning approach, differ in a number of ways. Yet they both offer specific advantages. The composition of the student population has changed significantly since the 1980s. A large number of today's college students are older and more heterogeneous. They also demonstrate varying levels of academic preparation. Many would-be students graduated high school a number of years ago and, due to various family and employment commitments, no longer have the flexibility of attending a traditional university setting. Further, some individuals live in remote geographical areas or do not have appropriate transportation opportunities. Distance learning offers them a much more expedient way to further their education. Distance learning offers such students the opportunity to learn online through their computers. Distributed learning programs are designed to enable individuals to achieve their educational and career goals in a way that is most convenient. They can arrange to study wherever they are and whenever they have the time arranged around their personal schedule. At the beginning of a distance learning class, the instructors normally transmit all information on assignments and lectures and provide or explain the study materials required. Throughout the course, students complete the work on their own, just as they would in an on-campus classroom setting. They use their computers to interact in discussions, ask questions and receive feedback from both the instructor and other students. When assignments come due, they send them to their instructors online, who grades and sends them back with comments. However, it is important for individuals to determine if distance education is the right avenue for them. It definitely is not for everyone. It requires a great deal of personal discipline and just as much, if not more, work and time commitment as a traditional classroom. If an individual is not self-motivated or has a tendency to put things off, it is very easy to get considerably behind the classroom schedule and not be able to catch up. With distributed learning, there is nothing stopping students from deciding to watch the latest reality show instead of turning on their computers. Also, would-be distance learning students need to be able to have an adequate understanding of computer technology and know how to read and study online course materials. Despite the many individuals who are taking advantage of online learning, there are still growing numbers of people who want the on-campus experience. Some individuals believe that the traditional setting offers students the best overall achievement opportunity. They state that the on- campus classroom offers more possibilities for personal interaction and communication in addition to building relationships in a mutually familiar environment. Students are able to meet face-to-face with professors as well as classmates. Both oral and nonverbal communication skills are enhanced. In face-to-face dialogues with others in the same room, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice definitely play an essential role. Students also gain skills they will need in their future careers. In most cases, traditional college courses include team projects, where it is necessary to solve problems, set objectives and goals interactively with others. They are involved in a creative environment of active, participatory, exploratory learning. Sometimes, students actually help develop curriculum and class procedures. On-campus students also appreciate the other experiences they have. They personally meet people from all different backgrounds and countries and acquire skills on how to relate to others whose goals and values may very significantly. The colleges offer a variety of organizations, leadership and participatory involvement, and on-campus activities and special events. Being able to study directly in the campus library is very helpful. In addition to coursework, students can attend special lectures and seminars and enjoy school and community offerings such as movies, theater and museums. Lastly, an on-campus environment does not exclude technology and computer-based learning. Many students use their laptops and PCs to supplement their coursework, participate in chat groups, e-mail, and interact with the instructors. In many cases, the classes combine online and on-campus learning opportunities. Both distance and campus education can be advantageous. However, each student must decide which of these offer the most effective learning style based on personal traits and interests. For some individuals, Internet courses that let students learn at their own pace and review content until completely understood is the best method. Others learn best in an on-campus environment where they can be motivated by and involved with others in a traditional classroom setting.