13 Warning Signs That Your Teen Might Be Considering Suicide — #1 Is Important
Do you have a teen in your life?
You might be worried about them. Teens are at an age where they’re trying to figure out who they are, what their place is in the world, and how to navigate relationships with friends and family.
And if that wasn’t hard enough, teens also face social pressures from school, sports teams, or other groups of kids. It can feel like there’s no way out for some teens — which can lead to thoughts of suicide.
Teenagers are not invincible, and they need support. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that suicide rates for teens have increased in recent years.
The rate doubled between 2007–2015 with the leading cause of death among teens being suicide. Why does this happen? What can be done to help?
If you think your teen may be considering suicide, it’s important to know the warning signs so you can get help right away. But first…you need to understand why they might want to hurt themselves in the first place.
There are many reasons why someone would consider taking their own life including feelings of anger, sadness, or loneliness as well as problems at home or school such as bullying or academic pressure.
Mental illness does not discriminate and it can happen to anyone at any time. It’s no secret that the adolescent years are a time of emotional and physical turmoil.
It’s also not uncommon for teenagers to experience depression or other mental health issues as they strive to find their identity, work through puberty, and adjust to the social pressures of school and friends. For some teens, this can lead them down a dark path where suicide becomes an appealing option.
Teens are more likely than adults to attempt suicide because they are still developing emotionally, physically, cognitively, socially, and spiritually.
They may not have learned coping skills for dealing with stressors that come their way such as bullying at school or problems at home which can lead them down a dark path of depression and despair.
Suicide is defined as the intentional act of ending one’s life. When someone kills himself or herself purposely, it is known as suicide. More than 41,000 people die every year due to suicide and an additional 1 million plus people are thought to attempt suicide.
It is truly a growing problem in society today. Although emotional problems are the main cause of suicidal thoughts, there are also warning signs to look out for. If any of these warning signs appear in your child, be sure to get them help right away!
One of the leading causes of death among teens is suicide. It’s the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24 in America.
- Boys are four times more likely to take their own lives than girls.
- Girls are more likely to try to kill themselves.
- In more than half of youth suicides, firearms are employed.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates have increased by 60% since 1999.
The CDC also found that more than one out of every four high school students has seriously considered suicide within the last year and many attempted it.
Parents should be aware of these statistics and know how to help their children if they are struggling with depression or other mental health issues so that they don’t feel like this is their only option.
Parents need to be aware of these warning signs so they can seek professional help if necessary. Parents should also educate themselves about the warning signs of depression in teens. If you see any of the warning signs (and your teen is struggling with emotional problems, if their behavior has changed etc.), be sure to get help for them right away.
If you are aware that your teen has emotional problems, has changed their behavior, is struggling to cope with life, etc., it could be a sign they are considering suicide as an option. To prevent a tragedy from occurring, take action immediately and reach out for professional help.
The warning signs of suicide include:
1. Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. One study found that more than 1 in 10 teens has attempted to kill themselves, while another study reported that 4% of high school students had attempted within one year. For parents who are experiencing parental guilt or emotional distress due to their teen’s suicidal thoughts, here are some key points about teenage suicide.
-Teenagers often feel hopeless because they lack the skills to cope with difficult emotions like anxiety and depression;
-Teenagers may experience bullying which can lead them to lower self-esteem;
-Teens might use drugs or alcohol to numb their pain which can make it harder for them to get help when they need it.
In this digital age, teenagers have a variety of options for committing suicide such as searching online, buying a gun, hoarding medication, making a plan; the list is endless.
It’s crucial to talk to teens about suicide and make them feel comfortable enough to come forward with any suicidal thoughts or plans they may have in place because the emotional and mental well-being of someone you care about must always be a priority.
It is common for teens who are experiencing emotional problems to keep the topic private. If your teen is open about their emotional struggles, be sure to listen without being critical or judgmental. If they are not, let them know that you are there if they ever need to talk and/or feel free to share your thoughts and feelings on this topic.
Parents should be aware if their child threatens to hurt or kill themselves, and take these threats seriously. Parents should also monitor social media activity for signs of depression and self-harm behavior, such as photos depicting cuts on wrists or arms with blood visible. If you notice any concerning
2. They withdraw from their friends and family members
Teens who are considering suicide withdraw from friends and family by closing themselves off emotionally or physically. They may even start acting out against others to release the anger they feel towards the world around them. These teens don’t want people around them while they’re going through this difficult time because it reminds them how much pain they are in daily.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline reports that the number one reason why teens consider suicide is that they have withdrawn from friends and family. To help prevent these tragic events from happening, parents need to talk with their children about how much life can change as a teenager. For example, a parent might say: “You know, when I was your age, I didn’t think my friendships would last forever — people grow apart.”
The Lifeline also says that talking openly about death and other difficult topics can help prevent suicidal thoughts. Parents should take this opportunity to let their kids know that everyone has problems at times but there are ways of dealing with them. They may need to find someone who understands what they’re going through or someone who they can talk to about their emotional problems.
Most teens who consider suicide withdraw from friends and family. The most common reasons for this are:
1) They feel misunderstood.
2) They don’t know how to talk about what’s going on.
3) They’re embarrassed by their feelings.
4) They want to protect those around them from the pain of dealing with it.
If you think a teen is considering suicide or has already attempted suicide, please contact your local crisis center.
3. They have a marked change in eating or sleeping habits
While many of us may go through periods where we’re not getting enough sleep, the National Alliance on Mental Illness says that teens struggling with suicidal thoughts will often show changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. These might include:
1) Sleeping too little or sleeping all the time.
2) Eating more or less than they normally do.
3) Withdrawing from their social life to spend time alone in bed.
Teenagers struggling with suicidal thoughts are often dealing with other emotional problems such as:
- emotional disorders which can cause them to go through emotional changes
- emotional problems which can cause suicidal thoughts
- emotional problems which can lead to depression and other emotional disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder or Clinical Depression
Parents should take these warning signs seriously. If a teen is showing any of the following warning signs it could be time for parents to get professional help:
1) Losing interest in things they love.
2) Feeling hopeless or trapped.
3) Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities without thinking.
4) Talking about feeling like a burden to others.
If you think your teen is considering suicide, get professional help immediately. You can also get emotional support by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273-TALK.
4. They experience a change in personality or attitude
Personality changes are a common symptom of depression, but for teens considering suicide, the personality change can be extreme. Teens may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and become withdrawn or aggressive. Others might show signs of anxiety or have difficulty concentrating. If you notice these symptoms in your teen, it’s important to take action quickly before their depression becomes more serious.
When emotional problems, such as depression, lead to suicidal thoughts the person struggling with those emotional issues might also show changes in their personalities or attitudes about life. This can be seen by close friends and family members who know the teen well.
If you notice these changes, it might be time to discuss them with your teen. If they’re suffering from emotional problems which can lead to suicidal thoughts, talking about what’s going on is a way of coping with those emotional issues and getting through this difficult period in their life.
In the past couple of decades, there has been a significant increase in teen suicide rates. In fact, it is estimated that between one and two million teens contemplate suicide every year.
A recent study shows that most suicidal teens experience a change in personality before they make their decision to end their lives. They tend to become more isolated from friends and family members while they are struggling with their mental health issues.
Teens who are suicidal often experience a change in personality before they take their lives. They may become more withdrawn or aggressive, or they may start to exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
These changes in behavior can be difficult for parents and teachers to identify, but when someone is exhibiting these signs it’s important to get them help right away. The sooner the better because suicide rates in teens have been on the rise since 2007, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
5. Suicidal teens engage in self-destructive behaviors
It’s not always easy being a teen. There is the pressure to succeed, social pressures, and even parental expectations that can be overwhelming for some teens. In addition to this already difficult situation, many feel as if they have nowhere else to turn but suicide.
Teenagers who are considering suicide often engage in self-destructive behaviors because they feel that their lives have no meaning and that the world would be a better place without them. Here are 7 reasons why teenagers may consider self-destructive behaviors:
1) Teenagers who commit acts of violence against themselves or others may do so because they believe it is the only way to express themselves or gain attention from those around them.
2) Teenagers who feel as if they don’t belong anywhere may consider suicide as a way to escape this feeling.
3) Teens also seek relief from pain by engaging in self-injurious behaviors such as cutting or burning themselves, which releases endorphins which, in turn, send pleasure signals to the brain.
4) When emotional issues are left unaddressed for too long teenagers may feel that ending their own lives is the only way to escape these emotional problems.
5) Teenagers who have experienced emotional or physical abuse often develop emotional scars that can lead them to consider suicide.
6) Teenagers who have been bullied often end up feeling alone and without emotional support. These emotional problems combined with emotional scarring may lead to depression or even suicidal thoughts.
7) The emotional scars left by emotional abuse and bullying can last a lifetime, so it’s important to seek emotional therapy if you, or someone you know has endured emotional abuse or bullying.
8) Sometimes emotional issues are so overwhelming that suicidal thoughts occur as a way of escaping these feelings of emotional discomfort.
9) Teens who lack emotional support may feel that the only way they can receive this emotional support is by killing themselves.
10) Feeling like there is no other option, teens engage in self-destructive behaviors as a way of feeling in control, even if it will only be for a short time.
12) Teenagers who lack emotional support often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with emotional issues, but if the emotional problems are left unaddressed, teens often become depressed and may even develop suicidal thoughts.
6. They engage in drug use and alcohol abuse
Teenagers considering suicide are often subjected to high levels of stress and financial hardship. They may be dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses that lead them to self-medicate. In turn, they use drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their distress.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that teens who abuse substances are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors; in fact, the CDC found that out of all adolescent suicides in the U.S., more than half were related to substance abuse (NIH).
Here are seven reasons why teenagers considering suicide engage in drug use and alcohol abuse:
1. It’s a way to deal with emotional problems.
2. They’re trying to escape from emotional pain.
3. Substance abuse is a symptom of depression and other mental illnesses.
4. Drugs and alcohol can cause suicidal thoughts in someone who doesn’t usually think about suicide, which could lead them down a dark path.
5. It could trigger emotional problems that they have yet to resolve.
6. They feel socially isolated and turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with it.
7. Their friends are engaging in drug/alcohol abuse, so it’s normalized within the social groups they’re surrounded by (CDC).
Today, there are holistic treatments to help teens overcome emotional pain and emotional problems that often lead to drug or alcohol abuse. Holistic emotional therapy is a safe, effective way of treating emotional issues among the younger population (NCCIH). It can also teach students about emotional regulation: how they interpret situations, their moods, and reactions to life’s ups and downs (NCCIH).
If you have a teenager that is using drugs or alcohol, consider emotional therapy as an option. They will work through emotional traumas together to help them overcome emotional issues in the long term (NCCIH).
Once emotional therapy has concluded, parents need to check in with their kids to see how they’re doing with emotional regulation in their daily lives. If they’re still facing emotional problems, the problem may’ve been more complicated than emotional therapy could’ve helped them overcome.
7. They talk about suicide or self-harm
Another warning sign to look out for when it comes to teenagers contemplating suicide is when your teen starts talking about it. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), nearly all people who die by suicide have given clues or talked about it beforehand.
Talking about suicide can be an emotional sign that somebody is considering harming themselves. However, this doesn’t mean your teen will attempt to kill themselves. It’s important to take self-harm and suicidal talk seriously, as it can affect your teen’s emotional state and mental well-being.
Talking about suicide or self-harm could be a sign of emotional problems. This is especially true if your teen never brought up the subject before (Gediman). It also could’ve been triggered by an emotional event in their life, such as a breakup with their partner or a fight with their best friend (Gediman).
It’s important to try and get your teen emotional help so the emotional problems don’t persist. They’ll need emotional support if they are feeling suicidal or engaging in self-harming behavior.
One way to broach the subject of suicide, self-harm, etc. is to do it in a non-judgmental way. It may be helpful to use open-ended questions when talking about suicide with your teen, such as “What would make you feel like that?” or “How can I help?” (Drapeau).
8. Sexual orientation confusion
The statistics for LGBTQ+ teens are alarming. They’re more likely to experience depression and suicide, engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse, and have a higher risk of being homeless or out on the street. All these issues can be attributed to the difficulty of coming out as gay or lesbian at a time when society is intolerant of sexual orientation ambiguity.
Some teens may consider suicide because they feel their sexuality is confusing them. These reasons include lack of acceptance from family members, feeling different from peers due to unidentifiable gender identity, bullying by classmates and online harassment groups with homophobic beliefs that lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression — all common symptoms among LGBTQ+ youth who are trying to understand themselves as sexual beings.
In a recent study, 30% of teens reported feeling suicidal because of their sexual orientation confusion. This is a staggering number that should be taken seriously by parents and teachers alike. Thankfully there are many avenues to help these individuals find the clarity they need with professional counselors and therapeutic programs.
Here are eight reasons why teens consider suicide due to sexual orientation confusion:
1) They feel different from their friends who seem happy about their sexuality.
2) Their family values don’t align with what they believe in.
3) They have been bullied for being gay.
4) They’ve been sexually abused.
5) The person they love doesn’t return those feelings.
6) Loneliness.
7) Feeling hopeless or like life has no meaning.
8) Teens might not understand that they’re experiencing normal changes as they navigate puberty.
As you can see, it’s not as simple as saying “he’s gay” or “she’s a lesbian.” This emotional and mental process can take years, and although it may be difficult to understand why someone would want to end their life over such a thing, the reality is that it happens. If you’re wondering if your teen is thinking about suicide due to sexual orientation confusion, take a look at these warning signs:
Understanding emotional pain and taking advantage of the available support can help LGBTQ+ teens who are confused about their sexuality or gender identity cope with their emotional stress.
This includes speaking with a trained mental health professional that will guide adolescents struggling with thinking about suicide because of emotional problems that can cause suicidal thoughts. If you’re a parent and your child is sexually confused, be supportive but don’t ignore the emotional problems that can lead to suicide.
9. Social isolation
Social isolation is a major risk factor for suicide. Research has shown that as many as 60% of teens who die by suicide have been bullied or ostracized by their peer groups.
Here are some ideas on how to help your teen cope with the pressures of social isolation:
•Encourage them to spend time with friends and family members outside of school. This will provide them with the support they need to combat loneliness and depression.
•Listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgment so they know you care about what’s going on inside them
•Share your own story about when you felt lonely or isolated, which will show him/her that there were people who cared for them even if it wasn’t obvious at the time.
Social isolation is a silent killer. It’s a hidden issue that many teens face and it can cause them to feel so hopeless, they consider suicide. The statistics are alarming: 1 in 10 high school students have attempted suicide in the past 12 months according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, research has shown that 9% of American teenagers report feeling lonely all or most of the time.
Teens are at the highest risk for suicide. The majority of teens who commit suicide have mental illness and many feel like they don’t fit in with their peers or society as a whole.
Teens often turn to social media and online forums for support, but this can lead to an increase in feelings of isolation and depression. This is especially true for teens that are on the receiving end of emotional bullying, or cyberbullying.
10. Relationship problems
Loss of a significant other or romantic breakup can lead to emotional distress and depressive symptoms in the teen experiencing the loss. In addition, if one friend ends up moving away, this can also cause emotional stress for your teen.
Relationship problems with a significant other can be hard to handle. It’s tough when someone you care about is constantly putting you down, making you feel bad about yourself, and putting your needs second to theirs. This can lead teens to want out of the relationship or even contemplate suicide.
Here are some real reasons why teens consider suicide because of relationship problems:
1) They’re embarrassed by their partner’s behavior in public.
2) They don’t have time for themselves anymore because their partner always wants them around.
3) The other person has more control over the relationship.
4) They’ve been cheated on and/or lied to too many times.
5) Their partner doesn’t seem interested in saving the relationship at all.
6) They feel like their partner is not committed or reliable.
7) Their parents don’t approve of them dating this person.
8) They feel like their partner doesn’t love them.
9) They’ve been hurt by this person before.
10) One party feels like he or she is being neglected.
If you’re worried your teen might be considering suicide because of a relationship problem, take some time to talk to them about what’s going on. If you’re not sure how to approach the subject, here are some tips that might help:
1) Pay attention to warning signs.
2) Don’t be afraid to ask if your teen is thinking about suicide. It is better to be safe than sorry.
3) Listen and show empathy. Let them know you understand how they feel and that you care about what’s going on with them.
4) Be honest. Let them know that suicide is not the answer and that there are better ways to solve their problems.
5) If they’re worried about hurting someone else, tell them you will do everything in your power to keep everyone safe.
6) Offer emotional support by reassuring your teen that things will get better.
7) Keep an open dialogue. If you feel like they’re not opening up to you, look for help and support from someone else outside the family: a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.
11. They have a history of sexual assault and/or physical abuse
Teen suicide is an alarming reality that we all need to be aware of. The statistics on teen suicide are shockingly high and the reasons why teens consider it range from mental illness, bullying, and sexual assault. Sexual assault can lead teenagers to contemplate suicide as a way out because they feel unsafe in their bodies or homes.
They may have been raped by someone close to them or even assaulted by a stranger. These types of events can cause depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), flashbacks, and nightmares which make life unbearable for the victim. As parents, teachers, or people who work with kids at any level you should know about this issue so that you can provide help when necessary.
Teens are the most at-risk group for suicide. They are more likely to be sexually assaulted or abused, making them even more vulnerable than other groups. Research shows that 1 in 4 teens will experience some form of sexual assault before they graduate high school and about 90% of those assaults happen between people who know each other.
With so many factors contributing to teen depression, it’s important to talk with your kids about what is happening in their lives and how suicide can feel like a solution when life seems too difficult or too hopeless.
When most people think of suicide, they are primarily focused on the act itself. There is not much attention given to why teens might consider suicide in the first place. For teens who have experienced sexual assault or abuse, suicidal thoughts can be a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is triggered by memories that are reminders of an event. The flashbacks and nightmares cause increased anxiety which leads to depression and thoughts about how it would be better if they were no longer alive.
Here are 10 reasons why teens may want to live with suicidal thoughts due to their history of abuse:
1) They don’t know what else could happen if they lived through another trauma.
2) They feel hopeless because there have been too many emotional abuses in their lives.
3) They may have been told by their abuser that they will be blamed for the suicidal thoughts or emotional manipulation.
4) They might not know what to do when they feel overwhelmed with anxiety and depression; thus, causing them to want to end their life.
5) After experiencing several traumatic events, they no longer trust others.
6) They might feel emotional numbness after emotional abuses in their life, leading them to believe that emotional abuse is normal.
7) They may have become isolated because they don’t want anyone to know the emotional pain they are experiencing daily.
8) They might think suicidal thoughts are normal in relationships because everyone in their life has emotionally or sexually abuse them.
9) They may not know how to receive love and emotional support, making it hard for them to trust others.
10) For teens who have experienced emotional abuse along with physical abuse, they may associate the emotional pain with the physical pain, making emotional abuse feel more intense.
If you think your teen is contemplating suicide or showing signs that they might be considering not living through another emotional experience, talk with them about it Tell them about the warning signs of suicide.
Ask them where they would go to find emotional support if they were struggling with suicidal feelings instead of hurting themselves. Tell them that emotional abuse is not their fault and that there are many organizations on the web or in your town that can help them find emotional safety.
12. Parental Abuse
In the United States, over 3.5 million children are reported to have been abused or neglected each year. With that in mind, parents need to know what this abuse can lead to in their teens’ lives — suicide.
Teens who were abused by a parent may be more likely than other teens to attempt suicide because they may feel helpless and hopeless about life. They might also feel like they deserve punishment or judgment from someone else if their parents cannot provide the love and care that they need.
Many times, children feel like their only option is to take their own life so they can escape from an abusive parent who has been hurting them psychologically, physically, sexually, verbally, etc.
It takes strength to speak up against someone you love so much but if you don’t it could lead your child down a dark path of emotional ruin.
Parental abuse is a serious issue that can have many detrimental consequences on children. One of the most severe consequences is suicidal thoughts.
Here are ten reasons why teens may consider suicide because of parental abuse.
1) Abuse, like physical or emotional neglect, sends messages to children that they are not worth caring for and therefore unworthy of love.
2) Parental abuse teaches kids unhealthy coping skills.
3) Victims often feel helpless in their situation.
4) When they witness violence between parents it makes them think that this is normal behavior.
5) They may be afraid to tell someone about what’s happening because they don’t know if anyone will believe them.
6) They might see themselves as the cause of the family’s problems.
7) They might feel they deserve to be abused.
8) Children abuse themselves to punish themselves for feeling so bad about the abuse.
9) They develop emotional issues, like depression or anxiety, which can trigger suicidal thoughts.
10) Victims of emotional neglect may think that no one will miss them if they are gone, therefore suicide seems like the best option.
When a child tries to tell you that they are being abused by a parent, believe them and then take action to protect your child from further emotional trauma.
If you or someone you know is in danger, please contact your local authorities immediately. If you are feeling suicidal, don’t hesitate to get help by calling The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1–800–273–8255, available 24 hours a day; there is always somebody willing to listen.
13. They are hunted by depression
Teens who suffer from depression often contemplate suicide as a way to escape the pain they feel. Depression is a mental illness that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but for teens, it can be especially difficult to cope with because of their age and stage in life.
Teens may not have the skills or support systems necessary to help them manage their feelings and thoughts about death, which can lead to suicidal ideation (thoughts).
Teens are at a higher risk for suicide than any other age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of teens who die by suicide each year is about 12 per 100,000. That’s three times as high as the general population rate of 4.6 per 100,000 people over 18 years old.
The following are the 23 reasons why many kids think about suicide as a solution to their problems because of depression:
1) They feel like they have no friends.
2) They experience bullying on social media sites such as Facebook or Instagram.
3) Their mental health condition was not diagnosed in time.
4) They suddenly end their relationship with their partner.
5) They lose interest in favorite activities like playing a sport or performing in a school play.
6) Their academic performance drops because of emotional problems.
7) They get into trouble at school for writing inappropriate messages on the internet.
8) They experience emotional neglect from their parents.
9) They are physically abused by someone close to them.
10) They are sexually assaulted or raped.
11) They feel like nobody cares.
12) Teens often have trouble coping with feelings.
13) Depression makes them feel worthless.
14) They don’t want others to worry or be upset.
15) They are afraid that communicating their problems won’t help.
16) Teens feel different from the people around them, which is isolating.
17) Many teens go through a negative self-image phase when they don’t look like the ‘perfect’ people in magazines and on television.
18) They don’t want their family and friends to know about their emotional and mental struggles.
19) Each day becomes more difficult.
20) Some teens feel like they’re a burden to others, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.
21) Teenagers have many social pressures that are unique from those of adults- such as having more responsibility for themselves than before, struggling with identity issues.
22) The intense emotions that come with puberty combined with being taken out of the protected environment of high school can take a toll on the emotional health of the average teen.
23) Teens are generally impulsive and may not be thinking about their options clearly due to emotional distress, also leading to an increased risk for suicide.
Questions to ask a suicidal teenager
This is a quiz that asks a teenager some questions about thoughts of suicide. If the teenager answers yes to most of the questions, it may mean that they are suicidal.
1. Do you ever feel like life is not worth living?
2. Have you ever thought about suicide?
3. Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?
4. Have you ever tried to kill yourself?
5. Do you have pills, guns, or knives that you could use to kill yourself?
6. Do you have a suicide pact with anyone?
7. Have you ever felt like you just wanted to die?
8. Do you wish you were dead?
9. Are you scared of dying?
10. Do thoughts of suicide keep you up at night?
11. Are you tired of feeling this way?
12. How long have you been feeling this way?
13. Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?
14. Have you made any plans to harm yourself?
15. What would make you feel better?
16. Are there people in your life that you can talk to about how you’re feeling?
17. What have you tried to make yourself feel better?
18. Have you ever thought of hurting another person?
19. Would having these thoughts impact your life in any way (i.e. : If I hurt myself, or others)?
20. What are you most afraid of?
21. What is the worst that could happen if you follow through with your thoughts?
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1–800–273–8255 (and press 1) or visit http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx to chat with someone immediately. For more information on how to help prevent suicide, please visit the website of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org.
Teen Suicide FAQs
Why are teens at higher risk for suicide?
Research suggests that teens are more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide because of the emotional instability that comes with puberty. Peer pressure, trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can also contribute to thoughts of suicide. Teens are also more likely to have aggressive impulses which may include violence towards other people or themselves.
How common is teen suicide?
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between 10 and 24 years old. Each year, an estimated 157,000 adolescents attempt to take their own lives, resulting in another 128,000 visits to emergency rooms for self-inflicted injuries. After accidents (unintentional injury), suicide is the most common cause of death for young people.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
It can be difficult to know when someone is considering taking their own life, but certain warning signs may indicate a person is in danger. Some of the most common warning signs include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about being a burden to others, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, withdrawing from friends and activities, abnormal mood swings and exhibiting intense emotional pain.
What should I do if I think someone is suicidal?
If you are worried that someone you know may be suicidal, it is important to reach out to them and talk to them about your concerns. Try to get the person to open up and talk about their feelings, and let them know that you care and want to help. If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–8255.
What can I do to prevent my teen from suicidal thoughts?
There are several things that parents can do to help prevent their teen from suicidal thoughts. Important steps include being aware of emotional problems which can lead to suicide, monitoring for warning signs, and talking openly about suicide and mental health. Parents should also ensure their teen has access to mental health services and support groups if needed.
How can I help a friend who may be suicidal?
If you have a close friend who is contemplating suicide, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Let them know that you’re there for them and that they aren’t alone. It can also be helpful to direct someone towards professional medical assistance or a suicide hotline.
Is it normal for a teen to feel suicidal?
No, it is not normal for a teen to feel suicidal. However, suicide is more common in adolescents than many people realize, so it is important to take any suicidal thoughts seriously.
What are 3 warning signs of adolescent suicide?
1. Talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself;
2. Expressing feelings of hopelessness;
3. Talking about being a burden to others.
What are some things to say to someone who’s feeling suicidal but doesn’t want medical attention?
It’s okay to not want to go to the hospital or see a doctor. Some people feel like they’re a burden to others, or that their emotional problems are too great for anyone else to help them. But remember, you’re not alone. Some people care about you and want to help, no matter how bad things seem. So talk to a trusted friend about your emotional pain, and let them know that you need help.
If the person is in immediate danger or fear of their life, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–8255.
You can also try these helpful apps: SafeUT Crisis Text & Tip Line (text “HOME” to 839863), Crisis Chat, or Safe2Tell.
How is a teenager treated for suicidal behavior?
If a teenager is treated for suicidal behavior, it will likely involve a combination of medication and talk therapy. The goal of treatment is to help the teen deal with their emotional problems and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Treatment can take time, but it can be effective in helping the teen get their life back on track.
Conclusion
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15–24-year-olds. This means that every day an average of 123 teens die by their own hands.
The reasons why can vary but there are some common themes: mental illness and depression, exposure to violence and abuse (including sexual assault), lack of social support, and feelings of isolation.
As parents we want our children to be happy and healthy so we must learn how they’re feeling and what might be causing them pain or discomfort to provide a safe space where they can talk about what’s going on in their lives without judgment or fear.
It is important to take suicidal thoughts seriously and to get help for the person as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is in danger of harming themselves, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Some people can provide support and assistance, and there is always hope for recovery. Many people care about you and want to help — please don’t give up.
If you are considering suicide, please get help! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call them at 1–800–273–8255 or chat with
Do these 13 warning signs look familiar to your teen? Talk to a counselor about it. Suicide is a real-life matter and should be taken seriously.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a little bit more about the emotional issues teens may be facing.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading this. Feel free to join our newsletter.
Grab our free e-book on how to create a better version of yourself.
If you’d like to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member through my referral link. It’s $5 per month. You will get unlimited access to stories on Medium.
Click here to sign up. If you sign up using my link, I’ll earn a small commission.
