Varför ökar självmorden bland barn och unga vuxna? Professioner med inriktning på suicidproblematik och deras tankar om riskfaktorer, samhällsförändring och prevention

The purpose of the following study was to examine professionals’ thoughts of the possible causes regarding suicide among children and young adults in Sweden. The study also includes prevention. Additionally, the study also focuses on the possible causes of suicides among the more overrepresented group boys and young men. The data was collected through six semi-structured interviews with professionals active within the frame of suicide and suicide prevention. Mental illness, previous suicide attempts, bullying, life crisis, impulsivity and lack of life experience were the themes explained as factors increasing the risk of suicide. The other themes were social changes in terms of the school as an institution, the increased pressure to achieve success and happiness, along with the development of a more individualistic society. The possible causes to suicide among boys and men were explained in three themes: the male gender role, lack of social network and potent methods to committing suicide. The focus on prevention was cooperating with children and young adults, preferably before their situation escalates, where the Swedish child and adolescent psychiatry played an important role. Also a directory assistance on suicide and environmental prevention. The two perspectives used to analyze the result were Durkheim’s concept of anomie, and the theory of masculinity. The conclusion showed how our society can exclude a child or young adult into eventually committing suicide, if they don’t fulfill the society’s requirements and expectations. Also how boys and young men are unable to be discovered and helped when they are suicidal, due to the masculine role they must adapt to