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Teen Suicide

How to Recognize the Danger Signs if Your Teen is in Trouble

Feb 9, 2007

Child and teen suicide rates are on the rise for the first time in more than a decade. Here is what you need to know if your teen is in trouble.

The Centers for Disease Control reported recently that "...the suicide rate rose more than 18% in those 1 to 19 years old, from 2.2 per 100,000 in 2003 to 2.6 per 100,000 in 2004. In those 15 to 19 years old, the figures reflected a more than 12% rise in suicide, from 7.3 per 100,000 in 2003 to 8.2 per 100,000 in 2004."

Many experts attribute this dramatic rise in teen suicide rates to an overall reduction in the use of anti-depressants. It is believed that stronger warnings ("black box warnings") about the adverse effects of medications prescribed for depression have discouraged parents and children from using anti-depressants. The result - an increase in suicide rates.

Whether or not your child is depressed or even taking medication, it is important to be on the look out for signs of depression and/or suicide. Suicide is one of the top five causes of death among high school students, and nearly 1 in 10 students will at least think about committing suicide.

As you probably remember, the teen years can be an especially tumultuous time. For example:

Teens often struggle with sleep disturbances, which can negatively impact a number of things including school performance, weight, mood and ultimately self-regard.
Hormonal changes
Peer Pressure
Limited life experience, which tends to make current problems feel more magnified and insurmountable.
Anxiety about the future and looming adulthood

Having so much to contend with, your teen will likely feel blue or down in the dumps from time to time. If you begin to notice moods that seem more extreme or severe pay attention.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following warning signs:

change in eating and sleeping habits
withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
drug and alcohol use
unusual neglect of personal appearance
marked personality change
persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
loss of interest in pleasurable activities
not tolerating praise or rewards

According to the Academy parents should also look out for:

complaints of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside
give verbal hints with statements such as I won't be a problem for you much longer; nothing matters, it's no use, and I won't see you again.
put his, or her affairs in order, for example, give away favorite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc.
become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.
have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)

If ever there was a time for supportive and affirming communication, this is it. When you approach your teen, keep this in mind:

Understand that this is not something she can simply snap out of - if she could, she would.
Recognize that whatever your teen is feeling is valid and real to him.
Realize that it is no one's fault this is happening.
Remember that everyone's support is needed.
Remember that threats of suicide should be taken seriously.

This isn't one of those times you can "kiss it and make it better." But there is help if your teen has depression or feelings of suicide. Let your teen know that you can manage and overcome this thing together. Set up a support team of family, friends, professionals, clergy and others - then take it one day at a time.

The copyright of the article Teen Suicide in Parenting Methods is owned by Barbara Gibson. Permission to republish Teen Suicide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.