A young person’s feelings of despair and hopelessness can lead to thoughts of suicide. These thoughts are a sign of depression, which is a treatable mental disorder.
Teens who are depressed should be seen by a mental health professional for treatment. This might include talk therapy or medication. Getting help early can reduce the risk of suicide.
Risk factors
The risk factors for youth suicide are diverse. Some are directly related to important life events such as death of a close friend or peer, relationship breakups and loss of family security. Others are related to a history of poor or inadequate coping skills, particularly in adolescence.
Those who struggle with major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or anorexia nervosa have a higher risk for suicide, and their symptoms may first present during adolescence. These conditions often develop in response to increased stressors and may be exacerbated by the use of drugs or alcohol.
Health care providers should be aware of the warning signs and risk factors for youth suicide, and they should know what to do to help at-risk kids. In particular, healthcare professionals should be familiar with the evidence regarding screening for depression and suicidal ideation in trauma patients. In addition, they should be able to offer appropriate and effective treatment strategies. In some cases, these treatments include extended hospital stays to ensure a safe environment.
Suicidal ideation
Suicidal ideation is a common and serious problem for youths. It’s important to recognize the warning signs and seek help. Getting professional help is the best way to prevent suicide. You can talk to your primary care doctor or a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist.
Depression and other mood disorders are linked with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, are also associated with suicidal ideation. Personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder and schizoaffective disorder, are linked with suicidal ideation and impulsivity. Substance abuse can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions and lead to suicidal behavior.
People who have suicidal thoughts often feel isolated and alone. They may have a hard time discussing their feelings with family and friends. This can cause strained relationships and emotional trauma. The stigma and discrimination that surrounds suicide can further exacerbate their feelings of hopelessness and despair. For veterans, military service can take a toll on mental health and increase the risk of suicidal ideation.
Suicide attempts
Trying to kill oneself is not uncommon in teens and young adults. In fact, suicide attempts are more common than completed suicides in adolescents. Young people may try to kill themselves in response to stress, such as bullying, relationship difficulties, or the recent suicide of someone close to them. They may also be struggling with a mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
All threats of suicide should be taken seriously, especially if they are communicated through social media or text messaging. Attempts to commit suicide often involve planning, such as saying goodbye to loved ones or putting items they value in storage. They can also include the use of alcohol or drugs, which may lower inhibitions and increase risk.
Efforts to prevent suicide need to be based on an integrated approach that includes education, prevention, screening and treatment. A widely used program called Signs of Suicide (SOS) has been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce suicide attempts by teens.
Suicide deaths
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents. In 2021, suicide attempts, ideation and self-injury were the most common reasons for youth to visit a hospital emergency department. Specifically, youth identifying as LGBTQ, youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and military-age youth have increased risk for suicide.
Children who are at high risk for suicide need a complete psychiatric evaluation. This may include a psychiatric hospital admission, depending on their severity of symptoms.
Parents can help by learning about the warning signs of suicide, educating themselves on prevention methods and getting information from professional mental health providers. They can also talk to their children about the prevalence of suicide and how it can be prevented. Parents who do not have the means to get professional help can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The organization has many resources that can be accessed online. In addition, it has a hotline that can be called at any time.