Know the risk factors for teen suicide, the warning signs and the steps you can take to protect your teen.
Is your teen at risk of suicide? While no teen is immune, there are factors that can make some adolescents more vulnerable than others. Understand how to tell if your teen might be suicidal and where to turn for help and treatment.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24 year old.
Being a burden to others, feeling trapped, killing themselves, no reason to live, experiencing unbearable pain
Increased use of drugs/alcohol, isolating from friends/family, sleeping too much or too little, aggression, acting recklessly, looking for ways to kill themselves, visiting people to say goodbye, withdrawing from activities, giving away possessions
Depression, loss of interest, irritability, anxiety, humiliation, rage
Just ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
DO use responses like:
“We will get through this together.”
“How can I help?”
“Many people feel this way – youth & adults”
“I’m sorry you’re feeling this way.”
AVOID responses like:
“suck it up” or “it’s just a phase” – Be empathetic and validate their feelings.
Many teens who attempt or die by suicide have a mental health condition. As a result, they have trouble coping with the stress of being a teen, such as dealing with rejection, failure, breakups, school difficulties and family turmoil. They might also be unable to see that they can turn their lives around — and that suicide is a permanent response, not a solution, to a temporary problem.
A teen might feel suicidal due to certain life circumstances such as:
Warning signs of teen suicide might include:
You can take steps to help protect your teen. For example:
If your child or loved on is contemplating suicide don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your child’s school counselor, a therapist, mental health agency, or find additional resources like NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) near you.