Experts explain why girls need different suicide prevention programs than boys
| May 28, 2019, 13:27 IST
Experts say different suicide prevention programs need to be implemented for girls due to the rise in female youth suicide rates in recent years.
Researchers from The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio (US), found suicide rates in girls ages 10 to 14 rose 12 per cent per year, compared to 7 per cent for boys. Meanwhile, rates of suicide among girls rose almost 8 per cent, but only 3 per cent for boys who are teens between the ages of 15 to 19.
The use of social media, which has become widespread, may have also contributed to the increase in suicide rates, particularly in girls. "When boys go to social media, they are looking for excitement. They can’t stand boredom. When girls reach out to social media, they want to find comfort through bonding and closeness,” Dr Mark Goulston, co-creator and moderator of the documentary Stay Alive, a suicide prevention documentary, told a news portal.
While the study didn't focus on the reasons for suicide among teenagers, the team noted that that interventions should become a prime focus for health professionals, parents and educators. According to the experts, interventions for girls should focus on the things that drive them to social media platforms, as well as help them get into more positive environments. The feeling of connection can alter a girl's brain. "When you cause girls to feel ‘felt,’ oxytocin goes up," Goulston told a news portal. Adding, "They start to cry with relief. The blood flow returns to their upper brain and they feel relieved."
Experts warn parents to stay vigilant and not to dismiss a child for being too emotional. "Adults should take it very seriously when any kid tells them or shows them by their actions that they are anxious or depressed,” Dr Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist, told a news portal. Adding, "It takes a lot to admit to this, so they are making themselves vulnerable by sharing it and this information must not be mocked or it can make them feel desperate."
Researchers from The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio (US), found suicide rates in girls ages 10 to 14 rose 12 per cent per year, compared to 7 per cent for boys. Meanwhile, rates of suicide among girls rose almost 8 per cent, but only 3 per cent for boys who are teens between the ages of 15 to 19.
The use of social media, which has become widespread, may have also contributed to the increase in suicide rates, particularly in girls. "When boys go to social media, they are looking for excitement. They can’t stand boredom. When girls reach out to social media, they want to find comfort through bonding and closeness,” Dr Mark Goulston, co-creator and moderator of the documentary Stay Alive, a suicide prevention documentary, told a news portal.
While the study didn't focus on the reasons for suicide among teenagers, the team noted that that interventions should become a prime focus for health professionals, parents and educators. According to the experts, interventions for girls should focus on the things that drive them to social media platforms, as well as help them get into more positive environments. The feeling of connection can alter a girl's brain. "When you cause girls to feel ‘felt,’ oxytocin goes up," Goulston told a news portal. Adding, "They start to cry with relief. The blood flow returns to their upper brain and they feel relieved."
Experts warn parents to stay vigilant and not to dismiss a child for being too emotional. "Adults should take it very seriously when any kid tells them or shows them by their actions that they are anxious or depressed,” Dr Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist, told a news portal. Adding, "It takes a lot to admit to this, so they are making themselves vulnerable by sharing it and this information must not be mocked or it can make them feel desperate."