Jump in Youth Suicide Prompts National Children's Charity KidsPeace to Issue Tips on Prevention, War...( NEW YORK Sept. 6 /- Following tod...),Health

NEW YORK, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Following today's startling survey by the Centers for Disease Control reporting the largest jump (8%) in youth suicide in more than 15 years, the 125-year-old national children's crisis charity KidsPeace is issuing a raft of expert tips and resources to help youngsters, parents and schools nationwide make sure they know the warning signs, life-saving tips, and free resources to prevent tragedies wherever possible.

"From abuse and neglect, to bullying, eating disorders, peer pressure -- even fears of war and terrorism -- the strain on kids today is unprecedented and sometimes it may become too much to bear," says Dr. Peter Langman, director of psychology for KidsPeace, which helps thousands of children each day at 66 crisis centers. "When this happens, kids begin to seek some form of escape from their woes and in the most severe cases, when there does not appear to be an alternative, children may even turn to suicide to free themselves from the pain, grief, dread, or despair they are suffering."

Why Would A Child Take Her Life?

There are a number of reasons why children, like adults, may find themselves thinking the unthinkable. At the core of all motivating factors lies a desperate need to cope with a situation that may seem beyond remedy. The most important reasons include:

* Ending an unresolved conflict

* Ending suffering of acute or prolonged pain (emotional or physical)

* Escape from an unbearable situation

* Grief and loss

* Desire to join a deceased loved one

* Means of self-punishment

* Anger at others

* Act of defiance, punishment of survivors, or revenge

* Means of gaining status or "fame"

* Copycat intent -- following a school suicide, the chance of a second

one increases by 300%

Spotting the Warning Signs

"There are a number of risk factors, signs and symptoms that might provide hints
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