In 2019 and 2021, emergency departments saw a spike in young people needing treatment for suicidal thoughts or actions. To understand why, let’s take a look at the risk factors and protective factors for suicide in kids.
Imitation, or learning by observation, is a major influence on youth suicide. This can occur at a macro level in the media or at an interpersonal level with family members or friends.
Stressors
The stressors that can lead to suicide among youths include psychiatric disorders, substance use and family issues. Those who have a history of mental illness and have not received treatment are at greater risk.
Adolescence is a time of change and transition, so it is not surprising that kids often feel overwhelmed by the pressures and demands of daily life. The heightened level of stress can cause them to feel out of control and have little inner resources to cope.
Other stressors that increase the risk for suicide include a break from reality in a psychotic episode (like hearing voices), impulsiveness and overuse of video gaming as a way to avoid negative feelings. Children can also become suicidal when they feel isolated from friends and family, if they withdraw from extracurricular activities or have trouble sleeping. Access to lethal means is also a factor, so the ability to obtain them easily should be considered as part of a risk assessment.
Isolation
Isolation is another risk factor in suicide, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, poor communication between family members can contribute to isolation, and this can lead to problems like depression, anxiety or even self-harm. Isolation can also be caused by alcohol or drug abuse.
In addition, some occupations and professional environments can facilitate social isolation, and unemployment can be a major risk factor for suicidal behavior. Therefore, it’s important to take any talk of suicide seriously. It’s also important to be on the lookout for warning signs, such as a sudden change in mood, giving away treasured items or making plans for suicide.
Although the research is still evolving, it seems that suicide is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. Some studies indicate that a combination of specific background personal and family characteristics, psychopathology and the existence of a means to kill oneself can trigger the occurrence of a suicide attempt. Other studies suggest that a person’s age, gender and socio-cultural environment are important predictors of suicide.
Family Issues
Parents, school administrators and staff, teachers and coaches of extracurricular activities, peers and mentors, counselors and social workers and community members all play a role in helping youth stay connected with a safe and supportive network to reduce the risk for suicide. This includes discouraging isolation, getting rid of objects that can be used to hurt oneself and fostering a culture of respect and acceptance.
Family issues such as divorce, loss of close friends and relatives due to death or bullying and unstable housing can also lead to youth suicide. Warning signs to be aware of include changes in behavior and becoming withdrawn or sad more often, doing risky or self-destructive things, giving away personal items for no apparent reason, changing sleep patterns and eating habits. Kids who have had abuse or trauma are also at increased risk for suicide. This can be caused by neglect, a lack of access to good medical and mental health care or parental discord.
Depression
Depression is a common risk factor for suicide. Teens can feel a sense of hopelessness that leads them to think about taking their own lives. They also may have impulsive behavior and mood swings. Often they will try to self-medicate their pain by using drugs or alcohol. This can lead to psychotic episodes that can include hallucinations and delusions. This can lead to them putting themselves in dangerous situations that can result in suicide attempts or even death.
Other symptoms of depression can be a loss or breakup with a significant person, a family crisis such as a parental divorce or separation, or being bullied by peers. This is why it’s important to talk with your child if you’re concerned about them and find a mental health professional that they trust to help them through a difficult time. If they’re reluctant to go, you should still make the appointment. It can help to reassure them that suicidal thoughts come and go.