Teen Suicide: What Every Parent Should Know

by Dr. Emily Kensington

"This Guide Saved My Child's Life!"

Teen suicide is on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds.

For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater.

As result, depressed teens should be monitored closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

The warning signs typically include: Talking or joking about committing suicide, saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”, speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”), writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide, engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury, giving away prized possessions, saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good, seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.

Important!

If you suspect your teen is a suicide risk take them immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room or crisis center, where they can be screened for suicidality via a comprehensive psychiatric and psychosocial assessment. If the screening is positive, your teen can be referred and admitted to a safe and monitored inpatient unit where they can be medically and emotionally stabilized. After the inpatient stay, a course of outpatient treatment is arranged.

For 24-hour suicide prevention and support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.