Editor’s note: If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 Crisis and suicide lifeline.
Teen suicide is when a teenager ends his or her own life. It can be impulsive or planned. However, not all suicide attempts lead to death. In fact, that doesn’t always mean your child wants to die. It could be your way of asking for help.
Anyone can fight suicidal thoughts. The teenage years are especially hard and stressful. Many things can affect your teen’s mood and behavior. Your body is changing. They are dealing with hormones. Your teen may feel pressure from friends, family, and teachers. They may be dealing with negative events.
Path to better health
Don’t blame yourself or your teen if they have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. Instead, visit your child’s doctor to find out what may be contributing to your child feeling this way. Once this is known, treatment options are available.
People who have suicidal thoughts suffer from a variety of symptoms. These include sadness, despair, abandonment and anger. Some people struggling with suicide may not show any signs. Major warning signs of suicide may include:
- Talk about death and/or suicide casually.
- Saying they wish they hadn’t been born
- Ask about death or how to commit violent acts.
- Talking about leaving or leaving
- Saying they won’t need things soon
- I don’t want to be around people anymore.
- Appearing sad and remote instead of happy and sociable.
- Become more angry or nervous
- Losing interest in hobbies or events.
- Have trouble concentrating
- Show changes in normal routine, such as sleeping, eating, or grooming
- Acting in harmful ways, such as drinking, using drugs, or harming oneself.
- Get in trouble with the law
Depression It is one of the main causes of suicide. It is a complex disease that can cloud judgment. But it’s important to remember that depression is no one’s fault. It is a medical condition affected by chemicals in the brain that can influence mood and thought processes. Change your thoughts, feelings and choices. When your teen thinks they will never be happy again, death is not the answer. It may take time, but professional treatment will help.
Many factors can cause depression. Generally it’s a mix of things.
- Certain events are difficult to deal with, such as death, breakups, moving, and bullying. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or helpless.
- Issues such as illnesses, problems at school and self-esteem also play a role.
- Another important factor is genetics. Adolescents are at greater risk of suffering from depression or other mental disorders if their family members also suffer from them. Dealing with your own depression or mental disorder could make it harder to spot warning signs in your teen. Additionally, children tend to model the behavior of the adults they know.
- Your teen may have ongoing or chronic depression. They can also have episodes or a combination of both types.
Depression can exist with other problems. Some adolescents resort to substance abuse to try to cure or escape from real world problems. Alcohol and most drugs are also depressants. They alter your thoughts and choices.
Other mental health conditions may be associated with suicidal thoughts. These include anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)and bipolar disorder. These problems require attention to prevent these thoughts.
Some teens will try to hide depression or suicidal thoughts. They might withdraw or misbehave. This can make it difficult to spot warning signs. It is important to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue with your teen. Ask, listen and tell. When asked, many children open up. Talk to them to find out their problems and concerns. Maybe they are afraid to talk about it or don’t have someone to listen to them. Tell them you care and that there are options for help. Invite them to talk to someone else, such as another family member, clergy, a therapist, or someone else if they don’t feel comfortable talking to you.
Depression is treatable. According to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), children between the ages of 12 and 18 should be tested for depression. Ask your child’s doctor to test your teen as part of their annual physical exam. This is even more important if you think your teen is at risk for suicide.
Two common tests your doctor may use are the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). These tests measure the type, onset, duration, and variety of symptoms. They are not intended to be the only way to diagnose depression. Your doctor should also consider your teen’s behavior and history.
Medical care is essential to treat suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. It can also help address causes, such as depression. Treatment will vary depending on elements, such as:
- Age
- family history
- Mental health status and history.
- type of disorder
- Presence of other disorders or conditions.
- Current Medication List
It is common for doctors to create an integrated care plan. This includes a combination of medicine, therapy and education. Your doctor will closely monitor the type, dosage, and effects for best results. Recovery time from suicide attempts and depression varies. Some forms of depression can return. Your teen may always have it and need treatment on an ongoing basis.
Education is an important part of treatment. The more your teen learns, the more likely he or she will be to respect and follow his or her doctor’s orders. Children don’t realize how common depression is. It can comfort your child to know that he or she is not to blame and that he or she can get better. It also helps reduce guilt. It is also important for your teen to learn healthy strategies to deal with stress. A therapist or psychologist can be a valuable resource in teaching these strategies.
Include everyone in your teen’s treatment plan. Establish support plans with teachers and coaches. Also inform your family and friends’ parents. Your teen needs support in all areas of their life. On top of everything, make sure your teen agrees with the treatment plan. They need to agree and feel safe to be successful.
Things to consider
It is essential that your child get help to manage their depression and prevent suicide. If you think your child is depressed or at risk for suicide, talk to your doctor. You can also call 988 Crisis and suicide lifeline. This is a free counseling service that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a reliable way to get advice and support. If you’re worried about another teen, tell their parents right away. Doing this can save lives.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests ways to protect your teen from suicidal thoughts and depression:
- Make sure they receive routine medical care. This includes testing for mental disorders, such as depression.
- Let your child know that he or she can come to you with any problem, even one that may cause problems.
- Tell your teen how to get help or support for their problems.
- Include doctors, family, friends, teachers and coaches in your teen’s well-being. Surround them with positive role models.
- Help your teen become confident. Teach them skills to manage conflict, violence and peer pressure.
If you think your teen is at high risk for suicide, contact your doctor for help. You should also consult your child’s doctor if you think your teen may have depression. If your teen attempts suicide, contact 911 immediately.
Unfortunately, teen suicide can lead to death. Your teen may have a friend or classmate who commits suicide. Be prepared for your teen to have emotions of anger, grief, confusion, and sadness. Talk to your teen about his or her feelings. If necessary, provide a counselor, doctor, or friend they can trust.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How do I know if my child is at risk for suicide?
- How can I look for signs of suicide, such as self-inflicted wounds?
- What are the differences between normal adolescent behavior and adolescent depression?
- What should I do if my teenager is depressed?
- Did I do something to cause my child’s depression?
- Are antidepressants addictive?
- Can antidepressants cause suicide?
- Once my teen is treated for suicide or depression, will he or she come back?
- What should I do if my teenager does not follow treatment and gets worse?
Resources
988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Get Help
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Suicide Prevention
