Trigger warning: This blog post contains content related to suicide, which may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope with mental health problems or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help using the resources at the end of the article.
Creating awareness of teen suicide is an increasingly important topic to address amidst the growing prevalence of mental health problems. According to the World Health Organisations (WHO), one in seven (15%) of 10–19-year-olds world-wide experience a mental disorder. Amongst this group, mental health conditions are largely unrecognised and therefore untreated. Globally, amongst 15 – 29-year-olds, suicide is the third leading cause of death. In South Africa both the rate of suicide and number of suicide attempts increases every year. Amongst 15–29-year-olds it’s the third leading cause of death after road accident and interpersonal violence related deaths. Consequently, this means that the first step towards preventing teen suicide is understanding the four types of suicide identified by Emile Durkeim. And thereby being better equipped on how we can support teen mental health.
The Social Roots of Suicide
In 1897 Emile Durkheim wrote a book called Suicide: A Study in Sociology. This book continues to be highly influential in helping to understand the four types of suicide he identified. Durkheim’s research was groundbreaking because it showed that suicide wasn’t just an individual act but is also a social phenomenon. This was based on Durkheim identifying four types of suicide that could not only be explained by an individual’s circumstances. They needed to be contextualised within the relationship between society and an individual. Essentially, the root of suicide is how someone’s connection with the world around them shapes a suicide attempt.
Four Type of Suicide Explained
- Egoistic suicide
- Altruistic suicide
- Anomic suicide
- Fatalistic suicide
1. Egoistic Suicide: Triggered by a Disconnection from Society
The first type of suicide is egoistic suicide. Its underlying cause is a lack of close friends and/or good family and social connections. The result is that the person feels detached and battles with social integration. This can lead to a deep sense of loneliness, isolation, lack of belonging and feelings of purposeless.
Teen Egoistic Suicide Warning Signs
Within a teenage context it’s most prevalent amongst vulnerable groups, such as refugees, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ teens. These groups often face discrimination, bullying and isolation. Possible warning signs of egoistic suicide include withdrawal and avoiding communication with others, disconnecting from social, cultural and religious groups, spending long periods alone and a lack of motivation. Commonly used phrases include “No one cares about me”, “I don’t fit in” and “What’s the point, life has no meaning”.
Ways to Support a Teen
An egoistic suicide intervention strategy needs to be centred around providing a teen needs consistent emotional and psychological support. Part of this is ensuring that they have someone who regularly listens, cares and checks in with them. Their identity and self-esteem will need to be repeatedly affirmed. They will also need assistance to strengthen social bonds, foster a sense of belonging and discover a purpose by setting personal goals.
2. Altruistic Suicide: Triggered by a Deep Connection to a Group or Cause
In certain cultures, taking your own life on behalf of the group to save it or further its objectives are honourable. Altruistic suicide can, therefore, come from being so enmeshed in a group’s traditional roles and norms that you would sacrifice yourself. For example, Japanese kamikaze pilots and suicide bombers. Altruistic suicide is therefore a result of extreme social integration and a prioritisation of the group over self, as opposed to lack of integration.
Although altruistic suicide is not necessarily a reason for teen suicide, it doesn’t mean that teens aren’t particularly vulnerable. Therefore, we need to be aware that extremist ideas can be highly influential on a teen.
Teen Altruistic Suicide Warning Signs
A teen who could be contemplating altruistic suicide will often express the desire to “help” or “save” others. A verbal warning sign, for example, is them saying “I’d die for this cause/person”. Alternatively, they may write posts about the glory of sacrifice and being remembered as a hero. Often, they believe that their only self-worth can be established through self-sacrifice. The result is that they’re inclined towards taking unnecessary risks and/or follow the rules of an extreme group even if they’re self-harming.
Ways to Support a Teen
Supporting a teen that’s vulnerable to altruistic suicide begins by creating a supportive and caring environment. One in which they aren’t’ judged when they express their views and healthy social boundaries can be discussed and modelled. They need to be taught to question extreme views and the underlying intentions of those encouraging self-sacrifice and personal risk. It’s also invaluable to assist them to establish self-care habits that promote their own well-being.
3. Anomic Suicide: Triggered by a Sudden and Overwhelming Life Change
Anomic suicide is rooted in someone experiencing sudden change that leads to instability and a loss of structure in their lives. It could be linked to social or economic upheaval at a country or community level. Alternatively, it might be triggered by personal circumstances like divorce, death of a loved one or loss of financial security. The result
Teen Anomic Suicide Warning Signs
Teens who are at risk of anomic suicide tend to express feelings of hopelessness, abandonment as well as loss of control and confusion. This might be displayed through angry and sudden outbursts as well as elevated anxiety levels. They might use phrases and write about “Nothing makes sense anymore”, “I don’t know who I am” and/or “nothing I do will change things”. Behaviourally they could inexplicitly change their routine or lifestyle, be driven by impulse or engage in risky activities.
Ways to Support a Teen
Teens who could be considering anomic suicide need strong social support. They need assistance to re-establish structure in their lives and thereby foster their own sense of purpose. Part of this process is to set goals and refocus them on their accomplishments to bolster their self-esteem. Helping them to develop problem-solving skills as well as coping mechanisms to buffer against the mental impact of changing circumstances are also key.
4. Fatalistic Suicide: Triggered by opression, control and extreme regulation of life
Fatalistic suicide is founded in feeling of oppression and/or lives controlled by strict rules. As a result, there is little room for individuality or being different. It tends to occur within authoritarian states, a home situation governed by extreme discipline or living in an abusive situation. Within these contexts someone feels like the future is bleak as there’s no chance of change or improvement.
Teen Fatalistic Suicide Warning Signs
Teens at risk of fatalistic suicide exhibit warning signs such as passive aggressiveness, self-neglect or start to practice self-harm. They might also start to use phrases such as “There’s no way out”, “Things are never going to change” or “What’s the point if this is my life”. Generally, they also suffer from a lack of positive self-esteem. Teens at risk of fatalistic suicide also include those who are victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying, like any other type of bullying, is sometimes difficult to detect from the outside.
Ways to Support a Teen
Reestablishing a teens personal autonomy is key to counteracting them contemplating fatalistic suicide. This means encouraging agile thinking, them to set personal goals and teaching them problem-solving. They will also need assistance to establish healthy and strong social and personal bonds as well as how to set and keep personal boundaries. If you want to assist a teenager with digital safety start by creating an open dialogue around digital wellness and healthier social media use. To better prevent cyberbullying, it’s also recommended that phone use at night is restricted as most cyberbullying takes place later at night.
Are Durkheim’s Suicide Theories Still Relevant?
The value of Durkeim’s work is that it looks at suicide from a holistic perspective. By understanding each end of the spectrum regarding integration and regulation, we can better identify ways to support teens and other individuals. Durkheim’s theories on suicide showed that those who have the least social connection and lack clear guidance are the most vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed or lost. What this means is that key to preventing teen suicide is fostering a stable environment around them. Within which meaningful social connections are nurtured that help them navigate life’s challenges. Also important is to openly discuss mental health and provide them with readily accessible mental health care for teenagers.
South African Teen Suicide Risk
According to SADAG (the South African Depression and Anxiety Group) in South Africa 9% of teenage deaths are due to suicide. Additionally, more than 20% of South African teenagers have contemplated suicide. The reality is that often teenage mental health issues are overlooked, or alternatively they are unable to access mental health care. Stigma surrounding mental health and suicide stigma can make it more difficult for a teenager needing assistance to seek help.
According to Northwestern Medicine Psychologist Nicole L. Francen Schmitt, PsyD, there are 4 additional factors that can increase teenage suicide risk. Firstly, negative online media, secondly increased access to social media, thirdly feelings of isolation and finally inadequate self-care.
Suicide is a tragedy that can dramatically impact families and society, so finding ways to address and prevent it is crucial. Here are 10 teenage suicide red flags to be aware of:
10 Teen Suicide Warning Signs
- Sudden personality shifts such as moodieness or withdrawal.
- Abrupt change in interests, for example hobbies and sport.
- Giving away valued possessions.
- Spikes in aggression.
- Being unusually quiet.
- Self-destructive behaviours such as increases risk-taking.
- Abrupt use of substances.
- Changes in eating nd sleeping patterns.
- Talking about feeling hopeless, depressed or overwhelmed.
- Social media postings, like hints for help, posts on hopelessness, suicide or self-harm.
While these are noted as possible suicide warning signs, it is also possible for these signs to relate other happenings in a teen’s life. For example, if they are anxious about an upcoming exam period their eating and sleeping patterns could be affected. Alternatively, a disagreement with a close friend might cause them to be edgy and therefore result in spikes in aggression. This is why it’s important not to assume or accuse but rather ask and support them with steps on how you can be alongside them. It’s also why trying to establish an ongoing dialogue with a teenager is vital, even when it might be difficult or unreciprocated.
Where to Get Suicide Help in South Africa
Teenage suicide is not something that can be ignored. It affects too many teenagers and the reality is many of them are within our immediate social group. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available:
- SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (24/7).
- SADAG SMS Helpline: SMS 31393 for a callback (24/7).
- SADAG WhatsApp: 076 882 2775 (8am – 5pm).
- Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322.
- CIPLA SADAG Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789.
- Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline: 0800 70 80 90.
- Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14.
Click here to create a suicide safety plan.
How to Support Teen Mental Health
If you want to understand mental health better, SACAP Global offers various short online courses and workshops. These can provide tools to help manage depression and anxiety, as well as counselling and mental first aid to youth. For those who wish to pursue formal training and accreditation as a mental health practitioner SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Applied Psychology. These qualifications provide pathways to careers in various psychology fields in South Africa and abroad. SACAP offers in-campus studying in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban as well as online learning. Apply Online today or Contact a Student Advisor to discuss your SACAP Study Options.
If you’d like to find out more about how to manage your mental health and support others, take a look at some of our related courses below:
