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Suicides among young people nationwide have increased dramatically in recent years. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5- to 14-year-olds.

Teenagers often experience strong feelings of stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up. Divorce of their parents or other life changing situations, such as a move to a new city, can seem overwhelming for some teens. Sometimes, suicide appears to be a "solution."

The seminar will be led by Priscilla Jenkins, a licensed clinical social worker and the clinical leader for the Mobile Crisis Unit, an emergency service that responds when individuals experience a psychiatric crisis. "Knowing the warning signs and risk factors of suicide are key steps to suicide prevention," Jenkins added. Parents should be aware of the following signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves. Experts recommend that if one or more of these signs occurs, parents need to talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help if the concerns persist.

• Change in eating and sleeping habits

• Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities

• Violent actions or running away

• Drug and alcohol abuse

• Unusual neglect of personal appearance

• Marked personality change

• Persistent boredom

• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.

• Not tolerating praise or rewards

These and other warning signs and risk factors will be discussed during the seminar as well as ways to help someone who may be thinking of killing him or herself. Jenkins will also discuss where individuals can turn for help in the community.