The years between childhood and adulthood can be a difficult time for teens. They’re going through many transitions, and their judgment and decision-making skills aren’t fully developed yet.
Suicide rates among youth remained elevated into 2021. This was likely due to mental health issues and disruptions in social relationships.
Depression
Depression is a common illness that affects many young people. It’s also one of the leading causes of suicide.
The good news is that it can be treated and cured, especially when diagnosed early on. Treatment can include medicine, education and therapy.
You can help your teen get help by talking to them and asking them about their thoughts. If you’re concerned, call your doctor or a mental health professional.
Getting medical help right away is the best way to prevent suicide, because it can save lives.
If you notice that your teen is having trouble at school, has withdrawn from friends or family, has lost interest in things they used to enjoy or has been thinking about killing themselves, seek help right away. If you suspect they’re suicidal, take them to the hospital emergency room immediately.
Relationships
Relationships can be one of the most important factors in predicting suicide, particularly for teens. Adolescents who report positive relationships with adults – both in their homes and in the community – have lower odds of attempting suicide than those who do not.
Adolescents also have a high likelihood of committing suicide when they feel rejected and abused by their parents or relatives. These types of family situations can lead to feelings of disgrace and worthlessness, which may also affect other areas of their lives such as their education or career.
In addition, studies have found that adolescents who have experienced a breakdown in their romantic relationship are more likely to attempt suicide. This may be because the failure in their romantic relationship causes them to feel humiliation, worthlessness, and disgrace. Alternatively, it can be because the break-up causes them to feel unimportant and that no one cares about them.
Family Issues
Family issues can impact your mental health and increase your risk for suicide. They can be triggered by various factors, including death, divorce, separation, and life changes.
Family conflict can occur when members are in disagreement about their family values, religion or culture. For example, one member may want to rebel against the established lifestyle of the family or have a different opinion about what should be done.
Communication issues are also common, and can include yelling, miscommunication, keeping secrets or giving the silent treatment. These problems can lead to feelings of isolation, anger and frustration.
You can learn to cope with family problems and help prevent them from causing stress in your life by seeking professional help. Getting therapy or joining a meditation or mindfulness practice can give you a new perspective and help you approach family issues calmly. It can also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression that can be associated with family problems.
Mental Health
The transition to adolescence can be a time of anxiety and stress. There’s the pressure to fit in socially, to get good grades, and to make responsible decisions.
Young people are more at risk for suicide when their mental health is deteriorating. If you think that a teenager may be suicidal, talk to them immediately and encourage them to seek help.
Many studies have shown that depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts can be treated with medication and coping strategies. This is especially true for children and adolescents who have not been diagnosed with a mental illness.
The number of youth suicides continues to rise worldwide, but there are ways to prevent them. These include ensuring that teens have access to mental health services and providing them with resources for emotional health and coping skills.