NCJ Number
45168
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM COMBINES DRAMATIZATION, NARRATION, AND INTERVIEWS WITH AN EXPERT ON SUICIDE TO COMMENT ON THE CRISES AND CONFLICTS OF THE SUICIDAL ADOLESCENT.
Abstract
SUICIDE IS ON THE RISE AMONG AMERICAN YOUTH; SINCE THE 1960'S, THE ADOLESCENT SUICIDE RATE HAD DOUBLED AS OF 1978. SUICIDE IS ESTIMATED TO BE THE SECOND CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THE THIRD CAUSE AMONG 15- TO 24-YEAR-OLDS. THE FILM EXPLORES THROUGH THE EYES OF YOUTH THE BREAKDOWN OF PARENTAL COMMUNICATION AND INFLUENCE, DOMESTIC CRISIS AND STRESS, ROMANTIC BREAKUP, DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, JUVENILE COURT DETENTION, TEENAGE PREGNANCY, MOVING AWAY FROM FRIENDS, JOBLESSNESS, AND ACADEMIC SUSPENSION. WARNING SIGNS CITED INCLUDE LACK OF COMMUNICATION, INABLILITY TO COPE WITH DAILY LIFE, DEPRESSION, GIVING AWAY POSSESSIONS, AND POOR PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOL. ADOLESCENTS RECEIVING COUNSELING FROM PRIESTS, PROFESSIONALS, AND LAYPERSONS ARE PORTRAYED; FEELINGS OF ANGER, DESPAIR, LONELINESS, AND HOPELESSNESS ARE EXPRESSED. IT IS NOTED THAT SUICIDAL THOUGHTS ARE COMMON TO ALL PERSONS AT ALL AGES, BUT SUICIDE SEEN AS A WEAPON AGAINST ONESELF AND OTHERS IS A DANGEROUS SIGN. AMBIVALENCE, IMPULSIVENESS, AND AVAILABILITY OF MEANS IN THE CARRYING OUT OF SELF-DESTRUCTIVE ACTS ARE EXAMINED. WHEN A 'CRY FOR HELP' IS HEARD, INTERVENTION IS CALLED FOR. COMMON MYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE (E.G., ALL SUICIDES ARE MENTALLY ILL, THOSE WHO THREATEN SUICIDE WILL NEVER ACTUALLY ATTEMPT IT ) ARE DEBUNKED. THE AFTERMATH OF A SUICIDE IS EXPLORED, AND ITS IMPACT ON FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS EXAMINED. POSTSUICIDE REACTION OF SURVIVORS ARE PRESENTED; THE TREATMENT FOR FEELINGS OF GUILT AND GRIEF IN FAMILY MEMBERS IS DISCUSSED.