Teens can be at risk for suicide when they have depression or other mental health issues. Any threatening behavior or talk of suicide should be taken very seriously.
YRBS data from 2021 indicated that one third of high school students reported their mental health was poor most or all of the time, with higher rates among female and LGBQ+ adolescents.
Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness that can be very dangerous to youth. It usually onsets in adolescence and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety. This can be a precursor to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is important for medical professionals to understand depression and be aware of standard definitions in order to provide effective care for these patients.
Research has shown that adolescents who feel connected and supported by their community are more resilient to suicide and substance abuse. One way to build this sense of connection is by encouraging teens to imagine their future in a detailed and textured manner.
The CBMH is working to integrate Yale’s neuroscience and clinical care to address the growing concern of youth suicide. Any child who makes threats to suicide should be assessed immediately, whether in the hospital or at home.
Abuse
Abuse, including emotional abuse and neglect, can significantly increase suicide risk. Several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have examined these effects, but results are mixed. The few studies that have controlled basic covariates such as negative life events, suicide within the family, psychiatric symptoms, mother’s care and family composition found that childhood sexual abuse and neglect remain associated with adolescent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
YRBS data suggest that students who are both bullied and abused may have even greater suicide risk, although the YRBS sample is not representative of all adolescents nationwide. This finding underscores the importance of identifying youth who are both bullied and abused, so that they can be more effectively supported. Abuse, whether peer or parental, appears to compound with each other, so that students who are both bullied and beaten are at much higher risk for suicide than those who are only abused.
Addiction
Addiction can cause feelings of loneliness and depression and lead to problems with school, work and relationships. It can also lead to impulsive behavior, which can be dangerous in many situations. It can also result in loss of a job or home and loss of friends, all of which can add to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.
This study uses multivariate logistic regression models to examine the association between lifetime use of multiple substances and three suicide risk behaviors — suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicide attempts – while controlling for other potential shared risks (sex, grade, race/ethnicity, depressive symptoms). This study includes questions that assess adolescents’ cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, marijuana usage, e-cigarette usage, and prescription pain medicine misuse. The results suggest that addressing all of these substances might be a key to reducing adolescents’ risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Mental Health Issues
The teen years are a time of major changes in the body and mind. Stress, confusion and fear can affect problem-solving skills and decision-making. In addition, some teens may feel pressure to succeed. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also cause problems in school and in relationships.
Studies have shown that protective factors such as positive coping skills, physical activity and supportive relationships can help to reduce mental health and suicide risk. These factors can be targeted at the individual, family, community and school levels. However, research is needed to investigate whether these protective factors differ by sex, sexual identity and race/ethnicity. For example, YRBS and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data show that female students and LGBQ+ students experience higher prevalence of poor mental health and suicide risk indicators than their male peers.
Family Issues
Young people who are considering suicide may be experiencing problems in their family. For example, a study found that emotional maltreatment in the home was associated with suicidal thoughts and actions among adolescents. This is important to know, because it can help you identify a possible problem and get your child the help they need.
The quality of a family’s relationships can also affect youth suicide. For instance, one study found that children who were tracked and supervised by their parents had fewer problems with alcohol, smoking and non-suicidal self-injury. The same was true for families with higher income levels.
Additionally, youth who are LGBTQ2S+ may be at increased risk for suicide due to negative family and social reactions to their sexual orientation and gender identity. These factors should be taken into account when planning suicide prevention programs for these youth.