Suicide has become a regular tragedy in our country, especially among teenagers. Many factors contribute to the increase, including financial instability, gang violence and lack of social support.
Any suicide threat should be taken seriously, whether it is made verbally or written on paper. Warning signs include frequent talk of suicide, a preoccupation with death or giving away prized possessions.
Stress
Stress can be a leading factor in youth suicide. Young people may feel overwhelmed by life events such as a major psychiatric disorder, bullying or loss of a loved one. A person with schizophrenia may hear a voice telling them to kill themselves, for example, or a severely depressed youth may believe that family members are suffering and that death would relieve their misery.
Other risk factors for youth suicide include having access to guns and other lethal means of self-harm, having a history of previous attempts at suicide or feeling trapped by their situation. Warning signs of suicidal behavior to look out for include being sad or withdrawn, becoming more anxious or irritable or sleeping and eating differently.
Depression
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide in young people. This is especially true in boys, who are four times more likely to die by suicide than girls. Depression may be aggravated by a number of factors, including academic pressure, alcohol consumption and relationship issues.
Teens with suicidal thoughts or behavior need to know that they can talk to someone — whether it’s a parent, counselor, teacher or doctor. They also need to be reassured that their condition is treatable. They need to follow their treatment plan, and they need to keep taking their medicine.
Anxiety
Suicidal feelings and thoughts are a sign of a mental illness and should be taken seriously. Kids and teens who talk about suicide should be referred to a counselor or mental health clinician, and supportive family members should be kept in the loop.
Some research shows that people who are more prone to anxiety have higher rates of suicide. This is because these people have difficulty modulating and tolerating their negative emotions. Disruptions in their life can increase this anxiety and lead to depression and impulsive or aggressive behavior. These disruptions can include divorced parents, new jobs, moving houses and other major changes.
Other Mental Health Issues
A teen who is feeling depressed or suicidal may be experiencing a mental health condition. These conditions are usually diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The risk for suicide in youth is higher if a teen is facing negative conditions such as racism or discrimination, poverty, lack of good healthcare access and family dysfunction like abuse or separation. Other factors are also at play such as easy availability of lethal objects or drugs, a history of childhood trauma including bullying, and serious medical illnesses.
Parents or caregivers should watch for warning signs that indicate a teenager is thinking about suicide. This includes changes in sleep patterns and eating habits.
Family Issues
Many children and teens who commit suicide have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. If you know a child or teen who is depressed or suicidal, it is important to take their feelings seriously and seek professional assistance and help for them.
Kids in families experiencing domestic violence, abuse or substance use may be more at risk of suicide. Separation from family members due to divorce, military service or incarceration can also contribute to suicide risks. It is important for family members to get counseling if they are experiencing trauma or stress that is causing them to feel emotionally distant from their children and teenagers.
Relationship Issues
Many suicides are a result of conflict with parents, boyfriends/girlfriends or other significant people. It’s important for everyone with a major influence on a youth’s life to know the warning signs of suicide and how to help. This includes teachers, school administrators, coaches and extracurricular activity leaders, mentors and service providers.
Suicide rates are highest among racial and ethnic minority youth in the US. Research and programming are needed to target those specific populations and address the unique risk factors they face. For example, community-based programs that increase help-seeking have been shown to reduce suicide attempts and deaths.
Addiction
Addiction can lead to feelings of hopelessness and contribute to suicide. In one study, youth who were abusing alcohol and drugs were ten times more likely to commit suicide than those who were not.
Addicts may feel like they are out of control of their behavior and that they cannot meet their responsibilities at home or at school. They may also feel like their addictions are causing personal problems for them, such as health issues and financial troubles.
If you think someone you know is struggling, be sure to talk with them and offer support. You can also help connect them to professional mental health and substance abuse treatment services.