How to Help a Suicidal Teen

What are suicide warning signs?

Suicide is a serious and growing concern among our youth as the CDC reports that “the suicide rate for people aged 15–19… increased [by] 57% from 2009 through 2017 (from 7.5 deaths per 100,000 to 11.8).” 

There are certain warning signs and behaviors to keep an eye out for if you’re concerned about your teen having suicidal tendencies or ideations.

These signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die, having no reason to live, having immense guilt or shame, or being a burden to others.
• Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, being trapped, extreme sadness, anxiousness, agitation, rage, and emotional pain
• Researching or planning ways to die
• Social withdrawal, saying goodbyes, and giving away important things
• Reckless behavior and excessive risk-taking
• Abrupt changes in mood, eating, and sleeping habits
• Drug or alcohol abuse

Who is at high risk for suicide?

According to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, here are the most common risk factors of those more likely to consider, attempt, or commit suicide:

• Mental disorders such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Substance use disorders (SUDs) involving drugs or alcohol
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical or chronic illnesses
• Previous attempts of suicide
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)