According to John Hopkins: Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people ages 15 to 24. The CDC reports that: Boys are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than girls. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide than boys. Guns are used in more than half of youth suicides.

  • Boys are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than girls.
  • Girls are more likely to attempt suicide than boys.
  • Guns are used in more than half of youth suicides.

What causes a teen to attempt to suicide?

  • From the research, it can be several things; during these teen years, normal development can be unsettling when you combine it with other events such as:
    • Dealing with rejection, failure, breakups
    • They cannot see that they can turn their life around and that suicide is a permanent response, not a solution, to a temporary problem.
    • Changes in families-divorce, moving
    • Changes in friendships
    • Problems in school
    • Other losses
  • Risk factors?
    • Those that have one or more mental health or substance abuse problems
    • Impulsive behavior
    • Loss
    • Being Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, or any other sexual minority youth
    • Being adopted
    • Family history of mental and substance abuse problems
    • Family history of suicide
    • Family violence
    • Past suicide attempt
    • Gun in the home
    • Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others such as from family, peers, movies
  • Warning signs:
    • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
    • Loss of interest in usual activities
    • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Acting-out behaviors and running away
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Neglecting one’s personal appearance
  • Unnecessary risk-taking
  • Obsession with death and dying
  • More physical complaints are often linked to emotional distress, such as stomachaches, headaches, and extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • Loss of interest in school or schoolwork
  • Feeling bored
  • Problems focusing
  • Feeling they want to die
  • Lack of response to praise

Another warning sign is making plans or efforts toward committing suicide:

  • Says “I want to kill myself,” or “I’m going to commit suicide.”
  • Gives verbal hints, such as “I won’t be a problem much longer,” or “If anything happens to me, I want you to know ….”
  • Gives away favorite possessions or throws away important belongings
  • Becomes suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
  • May express weird thoughts
  • Writes 1 or more suicide notes

Treatment includes:

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Possible Inpatient hospital admission

Prevention:

  • Recognize the risk factors and warnings signs for suicide
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you need advice

Suicide Prevention Lifeline