What causes your child to attempt suicide?
The reasons behind a teen’s suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide is relatively rare among children,
the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases greatly during adolescence. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death
for 15- to 24-year-olds.
It can be hard to remember how it felt to be a teen, caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood. Sure, it’s a
time of tremendous possibility, but it also can be a period of stress and worry. There’s pressure to fit in socially, to perform
academically, and to act responsibly. Adolescence is also a time of sexual identity and relationships and a need for independence
that often conflicts with the rules and expectations set by others. Young people with mental health problems — such as anxiety,
depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia — are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts. Teens going through major life changes
(parents’ divorce, moving, a parent leaving home due to military service or parental separation, financial changes) and those who
are bullied are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts.
What are the risks?
Things that increase the risk of suicide among teens include:
– A psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use (in fact, about 95% of people who
die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death)
– feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation
– feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often come with depression
– a previous suicide attempt
– a family history of depression or suicide
– emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
– lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation
– struggling with their gender identity and/or sexuality in an unsupportive family or community
Signs of suicide
Teens who are thinking about suicide might:
– talk about suicide or death in general
– give hints that they might not be around anymore
– talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
– pull away from friends or family
– write songs, poems, or letters about death, separation, and loss
– start giving away treasured possessions to siblings or friends
– lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities
– have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
– have changes in eating or sleeping habits
– engage in risk-taking behaviors
– lose interest in school or sports
