Teenage Suicide: 5 Warning Signs Parents Can’t Ignore

Never at any time in recorded history have humans been subjected to as much pressure and stress as they are now, at the beginning of the 21st century. And no one feels it more intensely than teenagers.

Peer pressure, questions about gender roles, eroding value systems, the threat of violence from abroad or close to home, broken families, drugs- these conditions can all contribute to the perception that this world is a scary place full of injustice- hence, of little worth.

While adults have a more balanced world-view and know that life is good and worth living, the same cannot be said for many teenagers- and while the teenage years are considered the most fun, exciting and enjoyable they will ever know, youth who are suffering from advanced stages of untreated depression (or some other mood disorder), see life as anything but worthwhile or full of hope. And if a teenager suffers too long without outside intervention of some sort, suicide becomes a very real possibility in their lives.

Though there is evidence that the teen suicide rate is on the decrease, the statistics say otherwise:

  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24, and the second among college students.

  • In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide, than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined.

  • There are four male suicides for every successful female attempt.

  • Though less “successful,” teenage girls are much more likely to attempt suicide than males.

  • Of those who commit suicide, only 33-50% were identified as having a mental illness at time of death.

  • Only 15% of victims were in treatment at time of death.

  • Approximately 1/3 of teens who die by suicide have made previous attempts.

(Source: www.nami.org).

Knowing this, what can parents, teachers and family members do to help prevent future suicide attempts?

  1. Understand that a suicidal teen has moved beyond the early stages of depression. Young people seeking to take their lives are in so much emotional pain, that they just want it to end.

  2. Learn about those who are candidates for suicide risk. The most common risk factors are:

  • Aggressive behavior

  • Disruptive behavior

  • Recent loss of a friend or family member to suicide

  • Abuse

  • Victim of bullying

  • Subject of intense humiliation

  • Failing a test

  • Unplanned pregnancy

  • Relationship breakup

  • Loss of parent due to divorce

  • Causing death or injury to another person

  • Substance abuse

  • Depression

  • Presence of firearms

(Source: “Teenage Suicide.” www.teensuicide.us).

3. Recognize suicide warning signs:

  • Previous suicide attempts.

  • Extreme personality changes

  • Fatigue or loss of energy

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Drug or alcohol abuse

  • Poor school performance

  • Hallucinations

  • Withdrawal from family and friends

  • Losing interest in things previously enjoyed

  • Talking about suicide or suicidal feelings

  • Expressing feelings of worthlessness

  • Feelings of isolation or guilt

  • Appetite loss or gain
  • Insomnia or sleepiness

(Sources: “Teenage Suicide.” Jerry Kennard: www.menshealth.about.com and www.nami.org).

4.  Know when to act and what to do. If you find that your son or daughter is considering suicide:

  • Call 911, the police, or the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI.

  • Don’t leave the person alone.

  • Don’t leave the person to find help alone. If there are no other options, take the individual to a clinic or hospital immediately.

  • Don’t argue with the potential suicide. In a calm and dispassionate voice, engage the person in conversation. Try to find out how, by what means, and when they are planning on killing themselves.

  • Don’t assume that you cannot stop someone from committing suicide. You should use any and all means necessary to save that person’s life.

5.  Be there to support your teenager. Once the diagnosis has been made and the crisis point passed, treatment may take one of several forms. Whether the decision involves a combination of weekly sessions with a therapist, medication, or admittance to a residential treatment center, make sure that you are involved at every stage of the process. Though they may not say so at the time, your son or daughter needs to know that no matter what, you will be there for them.

The road back from attempted suicide is not an easy one. There can be setbacks, and possibly repeat attempts, but the best efforts of trained physicians, mental health professionals, as well as constant parental support will give your teenager the best chance at returning from the brink to resume a normal, happy and long life.

(NOTE: The information in this article is not intended to provide a complete or diagnostic answer to all depression-related issues. If you have reason to believe that anyone, young or old, is displaying suicidal or self-destructive behavior, contact local emergency personnel immediately.)