Image: Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP / Lehtikuva

According to a recently published report by the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority, mental health issues are at the heart of suicides by minors. Three out of four adolescent suicides are committed by boys, with one of the main triggers being heartbreak owing to the end of a romantic relationship.

Adolescent boys find it more difficult to speak about their sorrows, and romantic break-ups negatively affect their self-confidence.

“Even if the length of the relationship has been short, for a young person it can feel as bad as if a 30-year relationship had been broken off. Young people lack the life experience to understand that it’s possible to survive great sorrow and move on,” says Mika Lehtonen, a therapist and youth division director with Väestöliitto, the Family Federation of Finland.

For a young man, the end of a relationship can be a question of life and death.

“Breaking up can seriously affect an adolescent boy’s self-esteem. Adults should not downplay the situation by saying, ‘Don’t worry, there will be other relationships.’ Feelings, including sad ones, should be given space and legitimacy,” says Lehtonen.

In Finland, one 15- to 19-year-old a week commits suicide. Of these, 70 percent are boys. Boys are also more successful at carrying out their suicides, although more girls (with less success) than boys try to commit suicide.

Boys use more violent methods than girls, who seem to be protected by their close friends with whom they can talk about even the most painful issues.

“Boys don’t discuss difficult personal topics. It's very important that those people involved in the lives of young men ask and inquire about what’s going on,” says Lehtonen. “But it’s important to remember that it’s not easy. Particularly adolescent boys know how to shut out the world, which can make it difficult to get closer.”

In light of statistics, the current methods of youth suicide prevention are not working: adolescent suicides have not decreased to the same degree as adult suicides.