Suicide is a major problem worldwide, especially for adolescents. Self-image plays an important role in American society today, especially in allowing someone to make a bad and destructive decision such as suicide. Self-image and low esteem greatly impact a teenager's chances of suicide. There are many events that lead to the suicide of a young person, for example a small problem that seems inevitable and manifests itself in overwhelming burdens. Detection and prevention are critical for both adults and youth to prevent suicide. After taking a look at the suicide numbers, most would be amazed. For example, by the time you read this paragraph there will be someone who will try to commit suicide, but only 5% of people actually take their own life. Over 80% of these people had problems with their social life where they lost a good portion of friends or had a "serious" problem with their image or self-esteem. About half of teenagers in this country have had thoughts of suicide crossing their minds on a monthly basis. Every teenager was known to have a profound decline in motivation. In a study of 59 suicidal adolescents it was reported that only 7 parents knew what their child was going through. The most shocking thing is that out of 36 teenagers who attempted suicide, only 2 parents were aware of it. The potential risk of suicide appears when a child suffers from depression and anxiety or even hopelessness. Remember that teenagers always need to be shown unconditional love from their family and parents (Langwith, 26). There are many case studies that help explain why suicide is prevalent. Most stories of suicide among teenagers are the same. For example, a famous high school student named Chuck. Chuck was a student at Avon High School... middle of paper... t.2.) "Suicide." Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Gale Opposing Views in Context. Mon. Feb. 6, 2012.3.) “Teens Are Particularly at Risk for Suicide” by Michael S. Jellinek. Suicide. Jacqueline Langwith, ed. Opposite Viewpoints® Series. Greenhaven Press, 2008. Michael S. Jellinek, “Teen Suicide May Leave Unanswered Questions,” Pediatric News, vol. 39, July 2005, p. 25. Copyright 2005 International Medical News Group.4.) Langwith, Jacqueline. "2." Suicide. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. 23-29. Print.5.) Marcovitz, Hal. Adolescents and suicide. Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2004. 22-24. Print.6.) Wohlenhaus, Kim. Suicide Information for Teens: Health tips on the causes and prevention of suicide: including facts about depression, risk factors, getting help, survivor support and more. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphic, 2010.