Child and Teen Suicide: Warning Signs, How to Help

Apocalypse Suicide Page
Good Mood
Living with Depression
Mental Health Recovery
NIMH
SHOCKED! ECT

HealthyPlace.com Radio
Depression Support Groups

Books on Depression
Conference Transcripts
Depression Videos
Diaries - Journals
Disorders Definitions
Mental Health News
Online Depression Tests
Psychiatric Medications
Resources
Site Map

Email
ICQ
Instant Messenger

Visit and Post

Abuse
ADD/ADHD
Addictions
Anxiety-Panic
Bipolar
Eating Disorders
Personality Disorders
Self-Injury

send this page to a friend

Child and Teen Suicide

Risk Factors for Suicide

Previous suicide attempts.
Close family member who has committed suicide.
Past psychiatric hospitalization.
Recent losses: This may include the death of a relative, a family divorce, or a breakup with a girlfriend.
Social isolation: The individual does not have social alternatives or skills to find alternatives to suicide.
Drug or alcohol abuse: Drugs decrease impulse control making impulsive suicide more likely. Additionally, some individuals try to self-medicate their depression with drugs or alcohol.
Exposure to violence in the home or the social environment: The individual sees violent behavior as a viable solution to life problems.
Handguns in the home, especially if loaded.

Some research suggests that there are two general types of suicidal youth. The first group is chronically or severely depressed or has Anorexia Nervosa. Their suicidal behavior is often planned and thought out. The second type is the individual who shows impulsive suicidal behavior. He or she often has behavior consistent with conduct disorder and may or may not be severely depressed. This second type of individual often also engages in impulsive aggression directed toward others.

Warning Signs for Suicide

Suicidal talk
Preoccupation with death and dying
Signs of depression
Behavioral changes
Giving away special possessions and making arrangements to take care of unfinished business
Difficulty with appetite and sleep
Taking excessive risks
Increased drug use
Loss of interest in usual activities

Signs of Depression in Teens

Sad, anxious or “empty” mood
Declining school performance
Loss of pleasure/interest in social and sports activities
Sleeping too much or too little
Changes in weight or appetite

Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teens

Difficulty sleeping
Excessive talkativeness, rapid speech, racing thoughts
Frequent mood changes (both up and down) and/or irritability
Risky behavior
Exaggerated ideas of ability and importance

Take Action

Three steps parents can take

Get your child help (medical or mental health professional)
Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected)
Become informed (library, local support group, Internet)

Three steps teens can take

Take your friend’s actions seriously
Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary
Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t be alone in helping your friend.

advertisement

Adolescents often will try to support a suicidal friend by themselves. They may feel bound to secrecy, or feel that adults are not to be trusted. This may delay needed treatment. If the student does commit suicide, the friends will feel a tremendous burden of guilt and failure. It is important to make students understand that one must report suicidal statements to a responsible adult. Ideally, a teenage friend should listen to the suicidal youth in an empathic way, but then insist on getting the youth immediate adult help.

The National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or for a crisis center in your area, go here.