Should Parents Be Concerned About Teen Suicide?

Suicide is in the news now more than ever, especially regarding teens. You can play a role in building up your child’s mental health simply by becoming aware of the risk factors and warning signs that can lead to suicide, making yourself available to your child, knowing how to have a caring conversation, and being aware that help is always available.

Adolescence can be a turbulent time. Teenagers deal with a variety of new experiences, such as new relationships, decisions about future and physical changes happening in their bodies. Some teens can cope, some are overwhelmed and do self-medicating by abusing drugs or express their frustration by acts of rage and violence, and some ger seriously depressed. They don’t want to talk about their emotions or problems thinking it will be burden or others will make fun of them. Some of these troubled teens see no way out and take their lives. There were approximately 100,000 teen suicides in a 40-year period between 1975 and 2015. Boys take their lives 3-4 times the rate of girls. The rate has been on a steady rise and among girls too, aged 10-12.

How can I tell if my child has normal teenager moodiness or if there might be something wrong?

If your teens or tween’s bad moods, levels of sleep, energy, motivation, frustration, social activity, and perhaps substance use are not bouncing back to normal after a few days, that would be of concern. You should be more concerned if the child is drawing, writing or mentioning death or dying and more so, if there are thoughts or acts of self-harm or suicide. Some risk factors include experiencing a loss, humiliation or trauma, failing a test, breakup with girlfriend or boyfriend, dysfunctional or abusive home environment, and parental discord, separation, or divorce.

What can I do to protect my child from suicide?

Do not hesitate to talk to your child about the changes in mood, level of distress or thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Asking your child directly about suicide will not increase the risk or plant the idea. Continue to listen and engage without expressing judgement. Teens aren’t helped by lectures or by hearing all the reasons they have to live. They will respond to reassurance that there is someone to turn to discuss their feelings and problems, it may be the family, friend, counselor or teacher. Reassure your child that depression and suicidal thoughts are treatable and talk about seeking help, with a pediatrician or mental health professional. In a crisis situation, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). Call 911 if there is self-harming or suicide attempt.