Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Teens

The numbers related to teenage suicide are worrisome; according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is the third cause of death among youth from 10 to 24. The first two are accidents and homicides. More than 4500 young lives are lost to suicide annually, and more than 5000 suicide attempts daily. These numbers are terrifying when we think about the youth surrounding us.

Fatal actions like this can only represent that the sufferer had had enough and couldn’t bear the situation anymore. The number is increasing, and we should start asking ourselves the good questions: What are we not doing correctly? How far can we push someone to think about suicide as an option? Where has our society failed in structuring our youngsters?

Important: Let’s set this straight from the beginning. If you think that your child or anyone in your surroundings may have suicidal thoughts, I recommend that you seek help right away. There are hotlines available and also therapies; use all of your resources.

Why Do Teens Consider Suicide?

They are primarily changes in their environment; divorce of parents, siblings moving out or change in school, which lead to changes in friendships. Bullying and cyberbullying are also prevalent causes.

By Which Means Do Teens Commit Suicide?

It is a very complex issue, and it ranges. Though it is present during childhood, suicide increases when the kid enters the teenage phase. It is essential to recognize the signs from the beginning; it may help avoid a tragedy.

Most suicide cases in the United States are committed with a gun, so it is more prevalent in teenagers as they have access to these things. It is important to keep guns unloaded and locked out of the reach of children and teens.

Many use drugs and over-the-counter prescriptions to attempt or effectuate suicide. It is essential to monitor your at-home pharmacy; if you see any missing medication changes, talk to your family members right away.

The means can differ between girls and boys; girls mostly afflict their pain by self-harm while boys choose more lethal methods.

Who Are More At Risk?

Teenage years are hard. You are no longer a child but not yet an adult, and it can be challenging to find yourself. We get the most opportunities, but we are not yet ready to assimilate what is best for us; this can lead to a lot of pressure, stress, and torment.

The teenage years are also when we will form most of our relationships, but we will also explore our sexual identity. Some teenagers may already have mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, insomnia or even depression.

All of these mentioned above may increase the risk of suicide, but the lack of support and poor family relationships may contribute even more.

What Are The Warning Signs;

Some blatant signs can be detected, for example, a heartbreak, divorce of parents, or the death of a loved one…but there are also some other signs such as repeated talk about suicide or death, wanting to be alone most of the time, losing interest in their hobbies, changes in eating habits but also lots of writing about death.

What Can Parents Do?

Every teen with suicidal thoughts gives signs to their environment, so you should be cautious when you notice a change in your child’s habits. You shouldn’t think that the child is doing this only for attention.

If you notice any changes, you should visit a doctor or therapist and work together to find adequate treatment.

It is important to communicate with your child, not only when depressed or suicidal. When you communicate with your child, they will be more comfortable coming to you when there is a problem. It is essential to ask questions; some parents still think about suicide as being taboo while they miss the whole ‘communication’ aspect.

In the comments, let us know how you feel about the suicide prevention campaign in schools… It is an important topic that is not much talked about. Be the change, talk to your children and your environment, and let them know that they can also count on you.