Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth. The risk for suicide is higher for some adolescents than others. It’s important to understand the risk factors and warning signs so that you can help your child.
Research into biological correlates, circuits, molecules, and genes holds promise as an approach to augmenting existing epidemiological and self-report measures, expanding etiological understanding of the phenomenon, and identifying potentially malleable targets for prevention.
Identifying Risk Factors
The suicide rate among youth is rising, and many factors contribute to this. Adolescence is a time of transitions and changes in multiple domains, and the teen may feel trapped, hopeless or helpless. They also may struggle with relationship conflicts, such as those involving parents, boy or girl friends and siblings.
Research shows that some young people may be more likely to commit suicide than others based on background personal and family factors, their current emotional state and their life events. This is called risk factor and is why all adults—including teachers, doctors, and other caring professionals—should recognize warning signs, know how to respond and be able to connect kids with the help they need.
Two major risks for suicide are lifetime sexual abuse and adult physical violence against the youth. Poor communication within the family also seems to be a major contributing factor in many cases. These factors are not always present in any given case, and each adolescent’s situation is unique.
Understanding the Symptoms
Teens who have thoughts or behaviors about suicide often show warning signs. These may be changes in their mood or behavior, and they might say things that seem out of character. They might give away things that they really value or try to do risky things. They might have a change in sleep or eating habits. They might seem withdrawn and want to spend more time alone. They might have a gun in the house and have access to medicines that could cause suicidal effects.
You can help by talking with your teen about what’s going on and listening carefully. Take threats of suicide seriously and don’t ignore them. Help them find expert help and follow the treatment plan, even if it’s an extended hospital stay. You can also help by removing lethal items from the home and making sure they’re locked up. Also, make sure that they’re taking their medicines as prescribed. This can help lower their risk of suicide, though it might take some time for the medicine to work.
Recognizing the Signs of Suicide Attempts
The teen years are a time of major changes, which can cause stress and confusion. Some teens feel a lot of pressure to succeed, while others struggle with feelings of self-doubt or hopelessness. They may try to deal with these feelings by abusing drugs and alcohol or by expressing their rage through violence. In many cases, they don’t seek help because they don’t believe they deserve it or they fear they will be treated badly.
Studies in Cha’s lab are examining the ways in which youth and preteens discuss suicide with their health care providers, including factors like their reaction times, motivations to not open up, and their ability to simulate how they would die in a particular situation. She also investigates the underlying psychological experiences that can lead to suicidal thinking, such as the belief that death will provide relief from pain and problems.
Getting Help
If a teenager is talking about or planning suicide, it should be taken very seriously. The first step is to get them a medical checkup to rule out life-threatening health problems. Then they need a thorough mental health evaluation by a trained psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Treatment usually includes some combination of talk therapy and medication.
Teens who feel suicidal may not be able to describe the cause of their feelings, so it can be difficult to help them. They need someone who will listen without judgment, and be able to reassure them that depression and suicidal thoughts are treatable.
Researchers are exploring a number of promising prevention strategies. One approach is to encourage teens to express their emotions openly, and to ask for help when they need it. Another involves training school counselors and other school staff in the use of standardized written procedures for responding to students showing warning signs or being at risk.