Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

INUVIK (Jan 15/99) - The tragedy of suicide and the despair that overwhelms too many Northern teens claimed another young life one evening last week when a 15-year-old Inuvik boy shot himself.

He was taken to Inuvik Regional Hospital immediately before being medevaced to Edmonton where he passed away the next day.

His guardian, who asked not to be named, says several days later he was still having a rough time dealing with the situation and needed time to put words to his feelings.

"The important thing is to let the person know that he matters, that you care for him, not to assume that he knows that," the guardian advises. "Reach out and talk to them."

Hugs also work wonders.

Between 1988 and 1997, 133 people between the ages of 15 and 24 officially committed suicide in the NWT.

Frequently, a break up in the family, loss of a significant other or involvement in criminal proceedings can trigger the despair or loneliness where suicide feels like the only way out.

Signs to watch out for Warning signs can include suicide threats, a previous history of attempts and alcohol abuse. Other signs include mental depression, which includes emotional distress, signs of helplessness, withdrawal and self-isolation.

When it comes to building confidence, many people have different ideas of how efforts and money can be spent.

Former District Education Authority member Camellia Gray has long advocated a psychologist in district schools to provide professional support for those with difficulty dealing with personal problems.

Current DEA chair Davis Mitchell says money has kept the board from hiring a psychologist, but the advice to seek out a school counsellor or someone at social services is a good suggestion if life becomes bleak enough to consider suicide.

One recent step educators have taken is to provide peer support training.

In October, 15 teens attending an Ingamo Hall workshop learned how to support fellow students dealing with troubles.

Parent and former counsellor Brenda Jerome says she is frustrated and angry at how alcohol is to blame for much of this community's problems. Adults who provide minors with alcohol should be ashamed of themselves, she says.

"Everybody seems to ignore it. A lot of people who are doing these things don't look at it as being wrong," Jerome says of those who either buy youth alcohol for a profit or to make their own drinking seem more natural.

Staff Sgt. Leon McAllister says alcohol has been a never-ending source of problems in the area, but until those residents whose lives have gone astray because of heavy alcohol consumption realize they have a problem, there is little anyone else can do.