Summary and response - Essay Example

Summary and Response Summary and Response In the article, “The Tragedy of Native American Youth Suicide”, the Byron l. Dorgan, maintains that the rates of teen suicide being experienced among the Alaska and Indian communities have reached disturbing levels. These communities constitute the highest suicide rates as compared to the national average. The most affected age groups are between 15 and 19 years. Considering this issue, the involved parties that include the Indian tribes, health professionals, and the American Federal government must coordinate efforts so as to help in eradicating this problem.

According to Doran’s article, the environment and the lifestyle in the affected regions play a critical role in advancing the risk for suicide. The specific risk factors identified include stressful life events, mental illness, and drug abuse. Usage of methamphetamine is highest in these regions. The most common barriers affecting mitigation of suicide include lack of reliable data on the issue, cultural barriers, funding constraints by the HIS, and the nature of the involved communities (Dorgan, 2010).

Although funding by the U.S federal government must be increased, coordination of activities among several entities would help in improving this situation. Personally, I agree with the author’s argument especially with regard to how teen suicide may be eliminated in the U.S because it has reached an alarming rate. I also agree with the solutions proposed by the author because they are practical and applicable. I have had an Indian friend who attempted suicide because he was being discriminated for belonging to a minority group.

This happened even though his parents had sought medical attention where they were told that his behavior was normal. This implies that the healthcare professionals are not taking this issue with the appropriate magnitude. ReferencesDorgan, B. L. (2010). The tragedy of Native American youth suicide. Psychological Services, 7(3), 213–218.