Warning Signs of Teenage Suicide
Teenagers at Risk of Suicide
Teenage suicide statistics
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "In 2006, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. Of every 100,000 young people in each age group, the following numbers died by suicide.
Children ages 10 to 14 - 1.3 per 100,000
Adolescents ages 15 to 19 - 8.2 per 100,000
Young adults ages 20 to 24 - 12.5 per 100,000" (Reference 1)
Most teenage suicides occur by the use of guns, poison, and suffocation. Children suicides are most often caused by suffocation. The report by the NMHI also stated that over four times as many boys as girls ages 15 to 19 committed suicide and over six times as many young men ages 20 to 24 as compared to young women committed suicide.
Five warning signs of teenage depression
Substance abuse is a common risk factor for suicide. Does your teenage son or daughter come home drunk or smelling of alcohol? Do you suspect your teenager is using drugs?
History of mental illness in the family is another risk factor for teenage suicide. Do you know of anyone in the family who suffered from mental illness or committed suicide?
Sexual, verbal, or physical abuse is often a reason for teenage depression. Has your teenager been abused in any way by a family member or through a violent encounter with a stanger?
The influence of friends has a huge impact on teenagers. Does your teenager hang around with friends with negative attitudes or violent personalities? Do your teenager's friends appear depressed?
Criminal offenses that resulted in time at juvenile detention or jail is also a factor in teenage suicide attempts. Has your teenager been incarcerated or appeared in court for criminal offenses?
Many times teenagers feel hopeless and alone, not knowing where to turn. Being aware of the signs of teenage suicide can save your child's life.
Where to get help for depressed teenagers
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime, night or day If you think your teenager is depressed or in danger of committing suicide. The call to the hotline is confidential and you could be saving the life of a loved one. The toll free number for the suicide hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Call 911 if you believe the situation is critical and your teenager needs immediate help.
Your family doctor or local hospital can give you helpful information and local help for teenagers at risk of suicide.
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health: "Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention"
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: "Teen Suicide Prevention Campaign"
Published by Karen Curley
I have been a freelance writer, child care provider, and artist for many years. My experience also includes agility and obedience dog training, as well as a dog day care business. In my spare time, I p... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentKids are under more stress than most parents realize. It's probably always been that way to an extent because parents are focused on weighty issues like paying the bills and they think their kids are in school living it up and having a blast. The recent suicide of those teens who were being bullied, will hopefully draw attention to the issue and make more parents aware of what they need to be looking for at home. Very informative article!