The most common cause of depression and anxiety leading to suicide among young people is the sense of NOT belonging.
Suicide among young people, age 10 to 19 is the second leading cause of death in this group. Of the 15 to 19 years of age group who commit suicide, 70% are male.
Bullying, Depression and Anxiety
Most think ‘bullying’ is one kid kicking the crap out of another. Bullying is more. Wikipedia defines Bullying as, “… the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threat, to abuse, to aggressively dominate or intimidate.” This leads to exclusion and the feeling of not belonging.
The Need to Belong
Humans seem to have a ‘herd thing’. They need to belong – to fit in. Until Grade Five a student’s ‘herd’ is their family. In Grade Five they begin trying to belong to their peer group. The need to belong increases thorough school. Life can become hell if they feel ‘picked on’ or left out.
Anyone who changed schools as a child knows the challenges of ‘fitting in’.
Depression and Anxiety
The ‘need to belong’ never goes away with age but situations change. With age come more opportunities to belong. Post-Secondary education provides opportunities. Employment means the participation in a group. Clubs, Sports and establishing ‘roots’ in a community provides another. Putting on a Team Jersey and going to a sports event is saying you ‘belong.’
Keep an Open Mind
If you suspect a young person is being bullied and is depressed, offer help. Be available. They might think you are as annoying as hell and lash out, but they’ll realize someone cares. And knowing someone cares provides hope until circumstances change with age.
