What Next After Teens Suicide Attempt?

A distressing public health problem is on the rise in teens across the US—increasing rates of suicide. According to the CDC, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth 10-24. The number of suicide attempts among teens has increased over the past decade, particularly among teens who suffer racial or sexual discrimination. 

This is distressing among parents and a health crisis that needs to be immediately addressed. Understanding the rates of teen suicide, warning signs, and effective interventions to prevent this problem is essential for educators, health professionals, and community leaders to understand. 

Teen Suicide: How Common Is It? 

Suicide is the leading cause of death for teen girls between the ages of 15-19, and the second leading cause of death among all teens 10-24. According to the American Psychological Association, over 20% of highschool students have reported “seriously considering suicide”. 

This public health problem has physicians concerned on a global level that there is a crisis that needs to be addressed. Some other distressing statistics on the rates of teen suicide as according to the CDC include: I’m

• 13% of highschool girls have atleast 1 suicide attempt 
• 30% of highschoolers have seriously considered attempting suicide 
• 20% of teens in the LGBTQIA+ community have attempted suicide 
• 45% of LGBTQIA+ teens have seriously considered suicide 
• Over 40% of teens struggle with depression

More teens feel depressed and anxious than ever, with rates of these mental health problems increasing. While individual mental health factors such as genetics, development, trauma, and conflict in the home play a role, it’s essential to look at the societal context that may also be driving suicide rates. 

COVID isolation, political conflict, inaccessible mental health services, the threat of climate & economic insecurity and the rise in social media are also factors to consider when examining why the rates of teenage suicide are on the rise. 

Warning Signs That A Teen Might Be Suicidal 

Parental awareness and preventive intervention are essential in fighting this alarming trend. Teens tend to hide their struggles, sometimes out of shame, fear, or embarrassment. They also may lack the communication skills necessary to express how they are feeling. 

Most teens do not commit suicide out of impulse. They often suffer with ongoing feelings of depression and consider suicide for weeks, months and even years before making their first attempt. 

Early detection and intervention from parents, teachers or other adults in a teens’ circle can be life-saving. Some of the warning signs to watch out for include: 

• Withdrawal from activities 
• Social isolation 
• Expressing feelings of sadness or hopelessness 
• Low self-esteem and negative self-talk 
• Changes in sleep/appetite 
• Talking about death or wanting to die 
• Giving up on self-care and hygiene 
• Victim of bullyng or discrimination 
• Drug or alcohol use
• Self-harm 

What To Do If You Suspect Your Teen is Suicidal 

Recognizing the warning signs and providing immediate intervention is key to preventing your teen from attempting suicide. There are several steps you can take if you suspect your teen is suicidal: 

1. Prioritize safety above all. If you believe your teen is in danger call 911 or take them to the closest emergency room. Watch over them closely and ensure there are no weapons accessible in the home. 
2. Reach out for professional mental health support. You can find these resources through your primary care doctor, local hospital or crisis center. Schedule an assessment so they can provide treatment and the best level of care. Appointments will be prioritized if they believe a teen is at risk of suicide. 
3. Involve supportive adults in your child’s life. This may include school counselors, trusted teachers, other family members or a close family friend to provide extra support. 
4. Continue monitoring and observing your teen when they return home. Ensure that they leave treatment with a crisis safety plan (usually provided during treatment or counseling sessions). 
5. Educate yourself on teen suicide. Consider joining a support group with parents to take care of your own mental health during this time. 
6. Be patient with your teen and understand mental health recovery takes time. 
7. Ensure your teen is taking their medication if they are prescribed. 
8. Promote hope and positivity in the home. Celebrate their wins and remind them that recovery takes time, patience and following their treatment regimens. 

What To Do After A Suicide Attempt 

Immediately after a teenage suicide attempt can feel mind numbing for parents, but it’s important to stay calm as possible and get your teen immediate help. Parents should call 911, or take them to the local ER or crisis center. Doctors will likely admit your teen for at least 24 hours before transferring them to a mental health care unit for further assessment. 

After this, teens will most likely enter a psychiatric hospital or program, where their vitals will be monitored and they can receive around-the-clock mental health care. This will include a combination of medication and intensive therapies. After discharge, a plan of action will be recommended that could include: entering a residential treatment program, partial hospitalization services, or intensive outpatient counseling. 

It’s important to be an advocate for your teen. If you feel they are not ready to come home and transition back to their typical routine, speak with their doctor or mental health professional about this. They will help create a plan of action and crisis safety plan to prevent future attempts. 

Levels of Care Perfect for Teens 

Before discharge, teens will go through several mental health assesments to explore what level of care is best for them based on their current symptoms. In the majority of cases, teens should at least receive outpatient counseling. But for many teens who attempt suicide, they may require more intense levels of care to ensure their long-term safety. 

• Residential Treatment is a 24/7 program where teens live at the facility, anywhere from 30-90 days. They are provided with around the clock care, access to counselors, and medication management. 
• Partial Hospitalization or PHP is the highest level of care after residential. This is an ideal choice for teens who require intense treatment during the day, but would stll like to return to the comfort of their homes in the evening. PHP includes 4+ hours a day of intense individual, group and family therapy. 
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is a level below PHP, offering a more flexible approach to treatment. Teens will participate in 3 hours of treatment a day, and can transition back to their community and school. They may be involved in CBT, DBT, group therapy, family therapy, and creative therapies such as music & art. 
• Outpatient counseling is the lowest level of care, where teens receive treatment 1-2 times a week. This is reccomended for long-term, ongoing treatment after they leave a higher level of care. Outpatient counseling is helpful for preventing future suicide attempts. It teaches teens to understand their mental health problems, set goals for in & outside of treatment, and build healthy coping skills. 

Treating Teen Mental Health in Texas  

If you identify warning signs that your teen is suicidal, reach out for professional support to help provide them with life-saving internventions. At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of teenage mental health disorders and are here to help. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more. 

Sources

Suicide in the United States. CDC. 

More than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide. American Psychological Association.