A recent rise in suicides among teen boys and girls has been reported by emergency departments. It follows a period of decline.
Anyone who talks about suicide should be taken seriously, and they should be encouraged to seek expert help. Their safety needs to be ensured (including the removal of dangerous weapons or substances). They also need to have close supervision.
Getting Help
There is a lot that can be done to prevent suicide and support young people who are suicidal. It is important for parents, teachers, school administrators, coaches and extracurricular activity leaders, religious and community leaders and others who spend time with youth to learn about the warning signs of suicide and to recognize and respond to them.
It is important to take any talk of or threat of suicide seriously, regardless of whether it is expressed in person or on social media. Other warning signs include a strong wish to die, preoccupation with death, giving away prized possessions and increasing alcohol or drug use.
It is also important to be aware of protective factors that can help a youth avoid suicide, such as healthy self-esteem, regular routines, economic security and good problem-solving skills. It is also important to be sensitive to a youth’s cultural and family context when helping them cope with mental health and substance use challenges.
Supporting Your Child
Children and teens impacted by trauma, abuse or mental illness are at higher risk for suicide. Kids who are separated from their families through divorce, death, deployment or incarceration can also be vulnerable.
Warning signs of a potential suicide crisis include a sudden change in your child’s mood or behaviour. They may seem more withdrawn or distant, they might spend more time “numbing out” by watching TV or scrolling on social media and they could be sleeping less or more than usual. You might notice a change in their eating habits or a loss of interest in hobbies they used to enjoy.
If you suspect your child is at risk, take their comments seriously and encourage them to seek help. If they are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency mental health access number (see below). It’s important to limit access to means for self-harm, such as removing knives and other sharp objects from the home and doing a room sweep regularly to remove potentially lethal items like ropes or pills.
Talking to Others
While it’s common to believe that only adults die from suicide, teens and children are also at risk. In fact, they often have different warning signs than adults, such as using drugs or alcohol more often; acting withdrawn or moody; changing their eating or sleeping patterns; and feeling trapped and hopeless.
If you think a friend or family member is suicidal, talk openly about the topic with them. While it might be difficult, it’s important to show them you take their feelings seriously and that there is help available. Try to avoid blaming them or getting angry, which could make them feel defensive or like they are a burden.
It’s important to use direct language, such as “have you been thinking about suicide?” This may seem scary but it can decrease the stress they might be feeling in thinking that way and help them open up to you. Ask them if they would be willing to go with you to a doctor or a counselling service or phone a hotline if they’re uncomfortable talking in person.
Helping Your Child Get Help
If a young person expresses serious thoughts of suicide, don’t ignore them. Call 911 or your local emergency mental health access number. Take all threats seriously, including those that aren’t expressed – for instance, a room sweep might be necessary to remove sharp items that could be used for self-injury.
A youth’s suicidal thoughts and behavior can be caused by a variety of things, from a physical illness to emotional problems to substance abuse to family violence to relationship conflicts to a history of psychiatric disorders. All these are treatable and respond to treatment.
Some of these psychiatric conditions – such as depression, bipolar disorder and anorexia nervosa – have their onset in adolescence. They have higher rates of suicide than other psychiatric illnesses and are more likely to cause suicide attempts. Talk to your child’s doctor and ask about the best options for treatment.