Astor Takes on Teen Suicide Prevention

TV Program Explores Prevalence of Teen Suicide
in the Latina Population

Video coverage of this story from  CUNY TV

April 20, 2011

In this 9 min. program, CUNY TV host Abi Ishola speaks with Astor's Andrew Kuntz, Deputy Director for Astor Child Guidance Center, and William Murray, Director, Astor Administrative Support Team (Bronx Programs). This episode of Independent Sources aired on April 20, 2011. The panel discusses Astor's approach to Teen Suicide Prevention, and the prevalence of Teen Suicide in the Latina population. The interview covers many topics, including:

  • Figures from the CDC show that one in six Latinas attempt suicide between the ages of 11 and 17.
  • Underlying factors include cultural clashes between the cultures of the parents' upbringings and the current living situations; socio-economic factors also contribute to teen suicide rates.
  • Contributing stresses include parents not talking to children about sexuality, contributing to rises in teen pregnancies. These puts great stress on these young latinas.
  • 15% of teenage latinas have attempted suicides compared to lower numbers among both black and white young women.
  • The stigma associated with counseling is a large issue within the latina population. Combating this requires education of the community.
  • Fear of the parents' anger keeps many young latinas from seeking the help they need.
  • In 2009 and 2010 Astor Serices has seen a higher number of serious suicide attempts among its clients.
  • In responce, Astor has created an "Open Access" program, to allow walk-in or same-day access to clinicians.
  • The Clinic Plus program sends screeners into the middle schools. Once kids are identified as being at risk, their parents are contacted to see if they would like to receive services.
  • Clinical factors which help identify youths at risk include depression (the most prevalent factor).
  • Of those identified as clinically depressed, about 50% will go on to attempt suicide; of those, about 7% commit suicide.
  • Assessing the family function and the individual's mental health is another important part of screening.
  • Other risk factors include how acculturated a child is; whether there have been traumas in their background; and whether there has been a past history of suicide attempts.
  • A rise in families reaching out for services at Astor's clinics has been a positive trend.
  • At Astor's clinics, Astor has seen a bit of a lessening of the stigma issue. More families are willing to seek guidance, and because of that Astor's numbers of screenings and referals have gone up. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline: 800-273-TALK

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline
to connect with local crisis intervention services:
800-273-TALK (8255)

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