Many youth suicides involve major life stresses such as a mental health problem, bullying, family conflict or access to lethal means. Others have a history of poor coping skills or are impulsive.
Youth who are suicidal typically give warning signs. It is never appropriate to keep them a secret or promise to “keep it a secret.” Alerts include changes in behavior, appearance and thoughts.
Depression
The teen years can be particularly stressful for some youths. Combined with depression, this can lead to suicidal behavior. The teen may feel overwhelmed by major life changes, family problems, pressure to succeed at school or work and financial concerns.
They may also experience feelings of rejection or hopelessness and find it difficult to think about the future. In addition, they may be influenced by a number of other factors, including drug and alcohol use.
If you have a child who is exhibiting these symptoms, you should seek help immediately. A doctor can assess the problem and prescribe treatment. Often, the treatment will be a combination of medicine, therapy and education. The teen should be encouraged to talk about their feelings and experiences with a trusted adult.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of tremendous potential, but it can also be a time of stress and worry. During this time, kids often feel pressure to fit in socially and academically and to act responsibly.
Teens who consider suicide usually have strong feelings of hopelessness and rejection. They may have been hurt by someone they love or be struggling with family problems such as a sibling with drug or alcohol abuse or parental discord.
Warning signs to watch for include a change in sleep or eating patterns, frequent complaints of physical pain and giving away personal items. If your child exhibits these warning signs, make an appointment with their doctor. Getting help quickly can prevent tragedy. The most common methods of suicide in adolescents are hanging and asphyxiation with a sharp object.
Bullying
Bullying is unwanted, repeated aggressive behavior among people who have power imbalances, and it can be physical, verbal or social. It can cause stress and pain, as well as anxiety, fear, sleep difficulties, depression and suicide.
In a study of data from the Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) in 41 LMICs, bullying victimization was significantly associated with reports of suicidal ideation and attempts, and depression mediated this association. Additionally, the frequency of being bullied and body mass moderated this relationship.
The link between bullying and suicide should be a primary focus of adolescent suicide prevention, as it is preventable and modifiable. This is especially important because bullying can happen at school, where adolescents spend the majority of their time and live their main social lives.
Family Issues
Many teens at risk of suicide have a history of abuse, neglect or family mental health problems. Often, the pain a teen feels is too much to bear and death seems like the only way out.
A recent loss, such as the death of a loved one, can increase a youth’s suicidal thoughts. A breakup or a serious fight with a boyfriend or girlfriend is also a risk factor. Using alcohol or drugs is another risk factor. So is struggling with sexual orientation in an unsupportive environment.
Research has shown that family connectedness is a protective factor against suicide. However, this protective effect can vary by race/ethnicity. In this study of teens presenting to the emergency department, family connectedness was less protective for Black youths.
Mental Health
Youth suicide is one of the leading causes of death for adolescents and young adults. Many factors can affect a person’s mental health, including family, social circumstances and environment. However, people are resilient. Protective factors, such as caregiver nurturance, have been shown to moderate depression and suicide risk.
It is important to take any warning signs seriously. Even if they seem silly or attention-seeking, teens should be evaluated for a possible serious health problem.
In addition to limiting access to lethal means, it is important to address the root causes of youth suicide. Research is continuing to examine how an atmosphere of trauma and discrimination affects the mental health of youth, especially for youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth. The CBMH has recently hired a new specialist in youth suicide to help guide this effort.