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Essay / High suicide rate among Native American teenagers
In most American families, parents are delighted with the happiness and success of their teenagers. Across America, teenagers are enjoying their “rite of passage,” like friends, extracurricular activities, sports, family vacations, and their first car. At the same time, little is known about the extreme poverty and despondency within Native American communities on reservations. Many Native American families still grapple with the pain and anguish their ancestors suffered during the ethnic cleansing and forced relocation of the 1800s, such as the Trail of Tears. A long family tree of mistreatment and unwarranted suffering on top of the current lack of resources and poverty. has resulted in considerable distress among tribal members and families living on the majority of reservations today. As a result of this distress and despair, many Native American families living on reservations were torn apart by alcohol, drugs, and domestic violence that became commonplace within their communities. In addition, the inaccessibility of most reserves, combined with the lack of resources, proves difficult to provide suitable housing for families. Additionally, American Indians constitute a minority among the least educated, sickest, and poorest people in our country. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native American youth ages 15 to 24 and 2.5 times the national rate. Why do Native American teens have the highest suicide rate in the country? Poverty, alcohol and drug addiction, and isolation are factors that contribute to the highest Native American adolescent suicide rate in the country. America's reservations are among the poorest in the country. A high... middle of paper ...... low self-esteem and decreased self-esteem. Additionally, the lack of positive future prospects and healthy leisure activities can promote boredom, leading to psychological imbalance in adolescents. Negative life stressors have been shown to put all young people at risk for suicide. However, overdependencies, long-term poverty, few economic opportunities, and feelings of inadequacy are more prevalent in the lives of Native American youth (Metha, 1996). Works Cited Ghosh, RP (February 11, 2012). Native Americans: the tragedy of alcoholism. Retrieved May 21, 2014 from International Business Times: http://www.ibtimes.com/native-americans-tragedy-alcoholism-214046Metha, A. &. (1996). Suicide among Native American youth: the role of schools in prevention. Journal of American Indian Education, 36(1). Accessed May 21, 2014 from http://jaie.asu.edu/v36/V36S1sui.htm