Suicide is a serious problem among young people. You may be surprised to
learn that it is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 19-year-olds
in the United States. Only accidents and homicide are more common causes of
death for this age group1. A far greater number of youths attempt suicide
each year. Suicide attempts are not easy to count because many may not be
treated in a hospital or may not be recorded as self-inflicted injuries. Survey
data from 2005 show that 17 percent of high school students had seriously
thought about suicide, 13 percent had made plans to attempt suicide, and more
than 8 percent had made a suicide attempt during the year before the survey.2
Suicidal behavior is different among young women than among young men. Young women attempt suicide three times more often than young men. However, four times more young men than young women actually die from suicide3. This may be because females and males tend to use different methods when attempting suicide. Young women often attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves-methods which offer more opportunities for rescue. Young men often use firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights-methods which usually cause instant death and offer no chance to intervene4.
Suicide among young white men accounts for most suicide deaths, but the
suicide rate among young black men is rising. Suicide rates for American
Indians aged 15 to 19 are high (19 percent of deaths) compared to overall
rates for this age group (less than 13 percent of deaths).5
Most youths who attempt suicide are experiencing a psychological problem such as depression or bipolar disorder, a substance abuse problem, or both6. A teen's experiences and history also can increase the chance that he will attempt suicide. For instance, he has a greater risk of attempting suicide if his family has a history of suicide, if he has previously harmed himself or attempted suicide, or if he has run away. A young person also may attempt suicide in response to an extremely stressful event, loss, or conflict with another person.7
Most youths who attempt suicide show some warning signs beforehand. Look for
signs
of substance abuse or
depression
and get professional help for your child if she needs it: Mentalhealth
and Treatment.
Here are some other possible signals of suicide to watch out for:8 9 10 11
Words
- Talks, writes, or otherwise expresses a preoccupation with suicide or death in general.
- Complains of being a bad person or being "rotten inside."
- Gives verbal hints such as, "I'd be better off dead," "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," and "I won't see you again."
Actions
- Withdraws from friends or family.
- Significantly changes eating, sleeping, or appearance habits.
- Experiences sudden drop in academic performance.
- Puts his affairs in order; for example, gives away favorite toys, cleans his room, or throws away important belongings.
- Acts in rash, hostile, or irrational ways; often expresses rage.
Feelings
- Feels overwhelmingly hopeless, guilty, or ashamed.
- Shows little interest in favorite activities or the future.
- Becomes suddenly cheerful after a period of depression (perhaps feeling that she's found a "solution" to her problems).
A suicide of a schoolmate, friend, or even a celebrity receiving media coverage can encourage suicidal impulses in your child. Suicides sometimes occur in clusters, in which one suicide influences other people already at risk for suicide.12
If your child seems constantly depressed, angry, or withdrawn, pay attention and encourage communication. If you are worried that he's thinking about hurting or killing himself, ask, even though it may be difficult. Rather than putting dangerous thoughts into his head, asking shows him that you care and that he is not alone.13 If you are concerned about your child's safety, do not leave him alone. Most important, take seriously any suicide attempt. If your child or someone else you know is thinking about suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to find a crisis center in your area.
Sources
Over the 20 years from 1979 through 1998, the suicide rate for youth ages 10 to14 increased by over 100 percent and by six percent for teens aged 15 to 19.
(Goldrick, L. Youth suicide prevention: Strengthening
state policies and school-based strategies, last referenced 8/17/07.)
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1) People who experience a psychological disorder or substance abuse problem are at greater risk for suicide.
True Correct.
False Incorrect.
More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have one of these risk factors. (National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention, last referenced 8/17/07.)
2) Young people who talk about or attempt suicide are just trying to get attention, and are not really at risk.
True Incorrect.
False Correct.
Whenever a young person contemplates or attempts suicide, it should be taken seriously. You should encourage him to talk about his problems and feelings with you or someone else he is comfortable with. Your doctor can refer you to a counselor, psychologist, or psychologist for professional assistance. In an emergency situation, get help immediately-call your local emergency room or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to find a crisis center in your area.
(American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Facts for Families: Teen Suicide , last referenced 8/17/07.)
3) Teens are vulnerable to "suicide contagion"; that is, they might be more likely to attempt suicide after hearing about a suicide in the media.
True Correct.
False Incorrect.
Young people who feel depressed, lonely, or overwhelmed may hear about a suicide in the news and consider it the only solution to their problems. They may especially relate to suicide victims who are a similar age, ethnicity, or gender.
(Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Customized Information: Media , last referenced 8/17/07.)
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