About this topic
The teenage years are a time of great change. Many developmental changes happen between childhood and adulthood. Teens have very intense feelings. Teens are seeking independence and discovering their sexual identity. Relationships with friends are very important. All teens have ups and downs in life. Some teens are better able to handle the changes that may come their way during this time in their life. ‚
The fact that teens often keep problems a secret and do not talk about them makes them even harder to cope with. This lack of awareness may turn to shock when a teen suicide happens. ‚
General
Suicide is the 3rd most likely cause of death for those ages 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Only accidents and murder are more likely to kill people in this age group. ‚
It is important to learn about the warning signs and risk factors of teen suicide. This makes it easier to offer help early on. ‚
Warning Signs of Suicide ‚
Suicide in teens often happens after a stressful event in life. Teens who are thinking about suicide may: ‚
- Talk about suicide or a wish to die
- Feel hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- Seem preoccupied with death
- Show signs through drawings, school projects, journals, notes, pictures, videos, social network comments or postings
- Lose interest in activities or sports enjoyed before
- Have a major weight loss or gain
- Keep to themselves. They may refuse to take part in family activities or social gatherings.
- Sleep too much or too little
- Tell people that they may not be around anymore
- Have sudden or dramatic changes in behavior
- Give away treasured possessions
- Believe that death is the only answer to the problem
How Family and Friends Can Help Prevent Teen Suicide ‚
- Pay attention to the life events of your teen.
- It is important that family and friends listen closely and give emotional support. Be open and do not judge. This makes it easier to talk about problems.
- Talk with your teen if you notice a change in behavior. This is very important if the change happens suddenly or you do not know the reason for the change.
- Be a role model. Teens need someone to look up to when learning how to deal with family problems or hard times.
- Suggest counseling or talk therapy. This can help teens deal with stress, low mood, and other hard times in life.
- Look for and help point out depression. Early treatment with drugs and therapy may help prevent suicide.
- Learn the warning signs of suicide. Get help right away if your teen shows warning signs of suicide.
- If there are warning signs:
- Dont be afraid to ask a teen if they are thinking about suicide.
- Do not leave the teen alone. Give more support and show that other people do care.
- Keep away things that may trigger means of suicide. Parents should take extra care to keep guns locked safely. Be sure to limit access to knives, ropes, or drugs.
- If your teen tries to harm themselves, they need to be seen by a mental health provider. Get expert help.
- Seek support. Do not keep it to yourself. Tell the teen's parents or a trusted adult.
Where can I learn more?
Healthy Children ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Help-Stop-Teen-Suicide.aspx ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html# ‚
Society for the Prevention of Suicide ‚
http://www.sptsusa.org/teens/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚