Suicide is a serious problem that affects adolescents and young adults. It is important to recognize the signs of suicide and seek expert help.
Talk to your friends about their feelings and emotions. Make sure they do not have access to weapons or other ways of harming themselves. Be aware of changes in their behavior, such as withdrawing from relationships or sleeping more.
Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts are a common and serious concern for adolescents. Teens with mental health problems, especially depression, are at greater risk for having these thoughts. They may also show warning signs of suicide like giving away important possessions or preparing for a suicide attempt.
The YRBS asked youths whether they had ever seriously considered killing themselves. The prevalence estimates from this study indicate that a significant percentage of the school-age population has experienced these thoughts. The estimates vary by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
It is important for parents to take threats of self-harm seriously. Teens who express such feelings must be evaluated by a mental health professional. The therapist will help the young person understand their thoughts and provide treatment to prevent further episodes of suicide.
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of hopelessness are a normal part of life, but when they persist, they can lead to thoughts or actions that put the youth in danger. These may include wanting to go to sleep and not wake up, making plans for self-harm or suicide, or giving away personal possessions.
Parents, teachers and peers can often spot early warning signs of a potential problem. They might see a sudden change in school performance, withdrawal from friends and family members or a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Any young person expressing these symptoms needs a medical checkup and treatment for depression or suicidal thoughts. They should also be placed in a safe environment, such as a mental health hospital, until they are stabilised.
Feelings of worthlessness
Feelings of worthlessness can be triggered by many factors. They can be caused by personal experiences, like childhood trauma or repeated instances of rejection and bullying. They can also be the result of a mental health challenge.
These feelings are accompanied by a sense of hopelessness and an inability to find meaning. They can be a precursor to suicide attempts.
It’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in your child’s behavior. Symptoms include withdrawing from friends, dropping out of school or abandoning their hobbies. They may also show a lack of interest in eating or sleeping.
There are many ways to combat these feelings, including therapy and medication. Increasing self-compassion and having a more compassionate inner monologue can help with feelings of worthlessness.
Triggers
Triggers are events or circumstances that activate a trauma response in an individual. The responses that are triggered by triggers can be psychological, emotional or behavioral. These responses can cause distress and are often disabling. These symptoms can lead to a suicidal episode or suicide attempt.
Teens experience a variety of concerns that can contribute to their suicide risk including sexual/reproductive health, mental health problems, eating disorders and substance abuse. Family relationship problems and a history of poor or inappropriate coping skills also appear to be common precursors to suicide in youths.
Psychiatrists interviewed for this study shared their perspectives on triggers and offered definitions, examples, and themes. They also suggested connections and categories that can suggest the complexity of triggering factors. These therapists’ viewpoints provided novel and abundant information on this topic.
Prevention
Psychiatric illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder and anorexia nervosa often begin in adolescence. These conditions are treatable and can be prevented or managed with early diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention strategies may include promoting mental health, education efforts, reducing stigma by changing attitudes and increasing awareness, encouraging help-seeking behavior, teaching youth skills to cope with stress and trauma, and improving access to resources and support. They may also include screening programs, educating gatekeepers, and establishing crisis centers and hotlines.
Whenever a child makes a suicidal threat, it should be taken seriously. They need to get a medical checkup first to rule out life-threatening illness, and then they must undergo a mental health assessment. If they are at risk of attempting suicide, they should be hospitalized in an inpatient program.