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20 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, February 20, 1990 Youth suicide statistics astounding By Kelly Storry Every day 1000 youths in Canada attempt suicide, and experts feel the number may be as much as 50% higher, since some deaths reported as acci- dental, may in fact be suicides. Mary Winter, a idance councellor at Eastdale High School, was at R.H. Cornish Public School on Friday to in- form students, teachers, and parents about suicide, and more importantly about the prevention of suicide. Youth suicide has increased an alarming 300 per cent in Canada since 1965, averaging 700 cases annually during the past three years. One factor to remember with these statistics is that for every suicide there are 100 attempts that fail. It has also been studied and proven that adolescents make more attempts than adults on theirlives. Suicide has long been a poor- ly understood subject shrouded by religious, legal, and social ta- boos. The rate of suicide has trip- led in the last decade among youths, with the highest inci- dences being in the 15-24 age group. Eight times the number of suicides have taken place over the last 30 years, among those aged 5-14. Suicide is named to be the second largest cause of death among today's youth, second only to automobile accidents. Experts say that many deaths named accidentals, such as automobile, drug, and firearm deaths are really dis- guised suicides. Mrs. Walker stated that the two main points she wanted to impress on everyone is that sui- cide is not an alternative, and talking about the subject will not cause someone to try it. Statistics show also that in most teens(90%) try to take their lives in their own home, and between the hours of 3p.m. and 12 midnight. Fifty per cent of the suicides that are success- ful the teen is drunk or high at country Lane REALTY (1MITED Hwy. 7A & High Street, Port Perry, Ontario "One should never spoil a good theory by explaining it." 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Some of the facts these con- cerned individuals are learning are that people considering kill- ing themselves give warning signals. Also that there is help available, and itis preventable. The warning signs that she states merit attention are a pre- vious attempt, verbal com- ments, emotional disturbances and behavioural signs. The pressures that these chil- dren face that drive them to su- cide can be the break up of a re- lationship, an argument in the family, or difficulty at school. What makes them particularly vulnerable is not clear. Any expression of suicidal thoughts such as "I won't be around to bother you -much longer." : Any talk indicating helpless- ness, unhappiness, pessimis- sim. Giving away prized posses- sions, the recent suicide of a friend or relative, are all signs towatch closely. Other signs may be an ex- treme change in eating , or sleeping patterns, withdrawal . from friends, family, changes in school performance, personali- ty changes, and excessive use of alcohol or drugs. Dr. Solrush was also quoted as saying there is not a typical suicidal young person, but vari- ous patterns and themes do emerge. There is the existential cri- ses, the bright kid, top of his class, from a bright family who begins to question the meaning of life. Then there is the adoles- cent boy whose girlfriend has just left him. These people may do something drastic. The most common profile is the young person whohashad a . life of distress, and despair. It usually is not a single incident that triggers the suicide, but a history of trouble at home, school or with friends. The other profile that is frightening is the young person who hasn't had any difficulties, who is suddenly confronted with a dramatic event and sim- ply decides he cannot handle it, and chooses death over looking for ways to cope withit. Kids who do commit suicide feel worthless and hopeless, they feel they cannot control things. Statistics show that 90% of teens who committed or tried to commit suicide felt that their parents did not appreciate or understand them. Experts go on to say if par- ents think their child is at risk the best thing to do is to help the child openly talk about his/ her feelings. People who feel their friend or child is giving off warning signs, there is help that can be provided. If the concerned per- son asks questions such as How long have you wanted to do this? Do you have a plan on how you intend to kill yourself?, the rson will get an indication of ow serious the other is about trying to kill himself. The best thing to do is make sure they get help, and keep the lines of communication open, to talk calmly and not to be judge- mental. Experts say the idea of suici- dal prevention programs is worth exploring, because it would seem that they are not reaching a large proportion of youth who are in trouble or at risk. Fundraiser to help unite Guiding around the world GREENBANK NEWS BY HELEN McKEAN We invite all Greenbank ladies to our February meeting of "Women's Institute." The topic is "Agriculture." Also, we will entertain you with an "Auction Sale" at the home of Don McKeans. Please bring your recycled treasures, baking, jams & other gifts. Mrs. Helen Bennett of Foresters Falls has returned to her home after visiting her daughter & family, Mr. and Mrs. John Olivero recently. Mr. and Mrs. Erston Coulter were visiting their daughter Carolynn & Robert Hill on Sun- day, with Harry & Doris Hill as dinner guests also. The Historical Society presents "Cathedrals In England" by Paul Arculus on Thursday Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. in the Borelia Community Centre off Carnegie Street at Highway 7A. All are welcome. Some of the "Snowbirds" have returned home. Mr. and Mrs. John Cook, Jean & Neil Hunter, Ruby Beare and Mrs. Snelgrove had a grand vacation in Scott- sdale, Arizona. While there they visited Las Vegas, had a boat trip on Lake Canyon. Like everyone who has seen the Grand Canyon they spoke of the Grandeur and the Majestic scenes of it all. Welcome home! Mr. and Mrs. Len Jarvis have returned home from a vacation in Tiecon, Arizona. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Walker of Hepworth spent the weekend with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Ianson. Debbie & Mark Roundell & children now living in Ottawa visited with Debbie's parents Mr. and Mrs. Murray Lee last week. They also enjoyed visiting with their other grandparents; Frank and Laura Lee and Jimmie % Dorothy Ianson. Mr. and Mrs. Neil Hunter visited Mr. and Mrs. Harry Phoenix on Sunday afternoon. Minor ball registrations will be held at Greenbank Hall on Friday March 2 from 7-9 p.m. and Satur- day the 3rd from 10a.m. -12p.m. Several people of Greenbank Church attended the "Celebration "of Christian Unity" Sunday even- ing in Emmanual Pentecostal Church sponsored by the Scugog Ministerial Association. This was a glorious celebration of music and song. The United Church Choir, directed by Glenn Taylor thrilled everyone. The sermon was given by Rev. Charles Bull of the Anglican Church. Other Ministers took part and a social hour followed the service. We hope this will be a yearly event. We need this kind of unity. This in- deed is a beautiful church. We missed the grand opening but we did enjoy touring this beautiful House of God! on Sunday evening. Mixed basketball and volleyball still has room for people to join. This Thursday will be our last night in Greenbank School. Then it will be held in S.A. Cawker School, Wednesday night from 8-10. Baseball season is coming up, so come out & get in shape while having lots of fun. For more infor- mation call 985-9127. The 'Youth Group" of the Greenbank charge gathered in Seagrave Church for a pot-luck supper on Monday the 12th. Their guest was the Moderator of the United Church of Canada. At the service after he spoke informal- ly & focussed on World Affairs To- day. Rev. ched Lee Sang was in- deed the honoured guest. The "New Jerusalem Group' from Cannington, sang & Greenbank group entertained with a skit. Sara Shepard introduced the . Moderator & thanked him aftep" his question & answer period. The Greenbank Brownies are having a very busy two weeks. On Tuesday Feb. 13, six of our girls invited their parents to come to their "Golden Hand' ceremony which was written by themselves. Congratulations to Katie Gross, Kacey Postill, Jennifer Banting, Tanya Trainor, Monique Balmforth and Holly Beattie for working so hard. They are now ready to fly on to Guides on Ban- quet night. Sunday Feb. 18 the girls and a leader attended Seagrave Church for their annual Color Parade. This is Guiding Week around the World and we are celebrating rd and Lady Baden Powell's birthday. On Tuesday, Feb. 20 the girls are working on their World Friendship Fundraiser. The money raised helps other coun- tries less fortunate than us and to unite Guiding around the world, working together to raise money. Our project is a Pancake Supper to be held in Greenbank Hall from 5:30 till all are fed. All of the Greenbank Guiding Units and Brownies are working on this project. Congratulations to Melissa Hooker who took part in Oshawa Ringette Tournament. A Silver Medal was won. Excellent game girls! Any present wishing to have their daughter join in this sport next year and would like more in- formation before making a com- mitment please call Dot Hooker. Margaret Prohaska and Margaret Couperthwaite attend- ed the 4-H leaders annual meeting last week held in the Gate Restaurant in Port Perry. Thanks to everyone for your in- teresting news and to Port Perry Star for winning more awards - congratulations! !