Teenage suicide is an uncomfortable and sometimes taboo topic among the public, but it’s an important issue that should not be ignored, especially if you’re a parent. Suicide is more common among adolescents than you think, but recognizing the signs can actually help you save your child’s life if they happen to be struggling.
Youth Suicide Rates Are Climbing
Poor mental and behavioral health has grown more prevalent among teenagers within the past decade, a trend that was especially pronounced during the pandemic. According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, suicide was the third leading cause of death among high school students aged 14 to 18 in 2021. Within that same period, approximately 30% of female students and 14.3% of male students seriously considered suicide, with a total of 42% of all high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness during the past year.
Signs of Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
Experts at Clearfork Academy, a mental health center that specializes in treating teenagers, say that one of the most obvious signs of suicidal ideation in teens is talk of death or expressions of hopelessness or nihilism. More subtle indications include social isolation, which is both a warning sign and a risk factor that can exacerbate suicidal thoughts; extreme mood changes, irritability, or agitation; abrupt neglect of personal grooming; and drug or alcohol use.
A teen who suddenly begins giving away all their prized possessions should be a cause of concern, as this is a possible reflection of finality in their thinking—like they’re trying to settle their affairs. If you notice your teen doing this, take action immediately, especially if the behavior occurs alongside other warning signs.
Helping Your Teen
But what does intervention look like? Suicide is a sensitive subject, and there’s a high chance your teen is ashamed of how they feel. That’s why it’s important to take a more delicate approach, as you are less likely to get shut out by your teen if you do.
To talk to your teen about suicide, you should start an open, non-judgmental conversation with gentle and direct language. It’s important to explicitly ask about suicidal thoughts. Don’t worry about planting the idea in your teen’s mind; experts say that asking can actually bring relief.
You should also immediately remove access to any means of harm. While this may seem rather insignificant, it can prolong the time between impulse and action, which can be life-saving.
Because teens struggling with suicidal thoughts are likely suffering from mental health issues, you should also contact a licensed therapist specializing in adolescent mental health. Severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are very difficult to manage without professional aid, which is why it’s important to reach out for assistance.
And if you want treatment to stick, experts say that you should stay involved with the teen’s treatment by attending therapy sessions together. When your teen knows that they have a robust support system to fall back on, they are more likely to recover and remain stable over the long term.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
