Suicide in Teens: Know the Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and Have a Prevention Plan

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members promote suicide prevention awareness. In the CoVid-19 environment, social isolation, anxiety, fear of illness, uncertainty, chronic stress, and economic problems may lead to an increase in suicidality in certain populations. Public health experts agree that adolescents are one such vulnerable population.

Suicide rates among teens have been steadily increasing in recent years, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019). Every day, approximately 12 teens die by suicide. For every one death that occurs, 25 more suicide attempts are made.

Dr. Nadine Kaslow, former American Psychological Association (APA) president and author of more than 250 publications related to the assessment and treatment of depression and suicide in youth and adults, recommends essential steps that parents can take to prevent teen suicide. We summarize them here and follow up with a list of resources for parents, educators, and teens.

Recognize the warning signs

A warning sign does not mean that your teen will attempt suicide, but it is important not to dismiss them. Research shows that the majority of teen suicide attempts are preceded by one or more of the following:

  • Changes in personality: sadness, withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, indecision
  • Changes in behavior: deterioration in social relationships or school performance
  • Sleep disturbance: insomnia, oversleeping; nightmares
  • Changes in eating: loss of appetite, weight loss, or overeating
  • Fear of losing control: erratic behavior, harming self or others

Know the risk factors

Certain risk factors are associated with an increased risk of suicide:

  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
  • Alcohol and other substance abuse
  • Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, loneliness, worthlessness, low self-esteem
  • Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities previously enjoyed
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Bullying or being a bully at school or in social settings
  • Disruptive behavior, including disciplinary problems at school or at home
  • High risk behaviors (drinking and driving, poor decision-making)
  • Recent/serious loss (death, divorce, separation, broken romantic relationship,)
  • Family history of suicide or violence
  • Access to lethal means like firearms, pills, knives or illegal drugs

Take preventative measures

There are multiple ways that parents can guide their teens against the possibility of suicide.

  • Interact with your teen positively
  • Increase his/her involvement in positive activities (promote involvement in clubs/sports)
  • Appropriately monitor your teen’s whereabouts and communications (texting, Facebook, Twitter) with the goal of promoting safety
  • Be aware of your teen’s social environment and communicate with other parents
  • Protect your teen against access to alcohol, prescription pills, drugs, and weapons
  • Address any concerns with other adults in your child’s life (teachers, coaches, family, family doctor)

Talk to your teen about suicide

Asking your teen about suicide does not increase their risk of suicidal behavior. In fact, taking about suicide in a caring, empathetic, and nonjudgmental way shows that you are taking your child seriously and responding to their emotional pain.

Seek mental health services

A discussion about suicide followed by an active plan to engage in mental health support conveys loving concern. If you are feeling that something is “just not right,” if you notice warning signs, or if you recognize many risk factors, find a mental health provider right away. Be prepared to actively participate in therapy while the provider assesses your child and develops a plan. Very importantly, if you are ever concerned that danger is imminent, call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of resources. Bookmark or save this blog post to keep all of the following linked resources in one place.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s mission is to provide immediate help to individuals in suicidal crisis by connecting them to the closest suicide prevention and mental health service provider.

Center for Disease Control
Suicide Fact Sheet

Light for Life Program
www.yellowribbon.org

National Institute of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Resources
www.nimh.nih.gov

National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org

S.O.S High School Suicide Prevention Program
www.mentalhealthscreening.org

Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education (SAVE)
www.save.org