Citation

Rue DS. Cleve. Clin. Q. 1985; 52(1): 73-74.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Cleveland Clinic Foundation)

DOI

10.3949/ccjm.52.1.73

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Those in the fields of law, religion, and medicine all agree that suicide must be prevented. Yet, prevention has been a problem. In most states, it is a crime to help others commit suicide. Most life insurance policies do not honor suicide claims. All established religions dissuade their followers from suicide. American medical thought holds that suicide is an irrational act of a troubled mind that can and must be treated. Despite all efforts, teenage suicide is increasing, while other age groups have shown a decline in the rate of purposeful self-inflicted injury.

Teenage suicide leaves survivors with feelings of grief, rage at being deserted, and guilt at having somehow failed the victim. When suicides occur in clusters and seem "contagious," as in many suburban communities around the country in recent years, the neighborhood residents are frequently in panic and are scurrying for the answers or antidotes to prevent recurrences....

Language: en