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Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for kids, teens, and young adults 10-24. This public health problem is alarming, with the number of suicide attempts among teens steadily increasing over the past decade. This risk is heightened for teens who struggle with mental health problems, trauma, racial or sexual discrimination.
If you suspect your child or teen is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to intervene as early as possible and get them treatment. This can be distressing, especially when you don’t know what to expect.
Understand how to recognize signs of suicide, what happens when a teen is hospitalized for an attempt, and what comes after to support their long-term healing & safety.
Teen Suicide Statistics
According to the APA, over 20% of youth have reported that they have “considered attempting suicide.” The stats surrounding teen suicide paint a startling picture that parents, healthcare professionals, and community leaders should be aware of.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth
- 13% of teen girls have attempted suicide, 30% have considered it
- 20% of LGBTQ teens have attempted suicide, 45% have seriously considered it
- Since 2000, the suicide rate among teens has steadily increased
More teens today struggle with mental health problems than ever. Untreated depression, trauma & anxiety can lead to suicidal ideation. Teens are also part of an isolated demographic that struggles with issues unique to development. All of these factors, combined with others, can increase the risk of suicide.
Recognize Warning Signs of Suicide
It’s essential for parents to stay aware of the warning signs that their teens could be suicidal. They may hide their feelings, and it is not always too easy to recognize, but usually, there are warning signs. Most teens struggle with ongoing feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts for days, weeks, or months before attempting.
- Isolation
- Sadness, hopelessness
- Talking about death or suicide
- Low self-esteem
- Victim of bullying
- Lack of self-care, hygiene
- Self-harm
- Substance abuse
- Changes in sleep/appetite
- Drastic mood swings
- Aggression, irritability, or odd changes in personality
What To Do If Your Teen is Suicidal
If you recognize the signs your teen is suicidal, it is important to intervene and get them the necessary treatment. Some steps to take if your teen is suicidal include:
- Call 911 or take them to the nearest ER. Monitor them closely, prioritizing safety above all.
- Contact your local mental health center or hospital to get resources to get your teen into a program.
- Keep anyone in your teen’s life informed about what’s happening. This may include teachers, school counselor, or their primary therapist/provider.
- Make sure they are taking prescribed medication.
What Happens At The Hospital When Your Teen is Admitted for A Suicide Attempt
Doctors will likely admit your teen for an overnight stay to assess and monitor the threat level they are to themselves. Afterward, they may recommend entrance into a psychiatric program to further stabilize their mental health.
When you first arrive at the hospital, your teen will immediately be admitted, passing any wait times in the ER due to the threat of harm. You will then be taken to a visitor’s room to fill out any admission paperwork. This may include meeting with the doctor who will be monitoring your teen, nursing staff, caseworkers, or mental health counselors.
During this time, they will inform you what kind of treatment your teen will receive and develop a plan for them after they get released (returning home or entering a psychiatric program). If you have any questions about your child’s treatment, don’t hesitate to ask. These can include:
- What services they will receive
- If they will be prescribed medication
- Family involvement in the treatment process
What Happens After They Are Released?
Before discharge from the hospital, medical providers will usually develop a plan to support their long-term health and safety. This may include transfers to a mental health program based on their needs. Some common programs and levels of care include:
| Residential Treatment | 24/7 treatment facility where teens can receive around-the-clock care to stabilize their mental health and ensure their safety |
| Partial Hospitalization | Intensive day program is similar to residential, however, teens can return to their homes in the evening |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | Often follows residential or PHP, this helps teens transition home and back to school while still providing intense treatments multiple times a week, such as CBT and psychiatric services |
| Outpatient Counseling | Flexible outpatient treatment meeting 1-2 times per week. This can help teens continue to build and implement coping skills they learned in higher levels of care |
Treating Teen Suicidal Ideation in Texas
If you identify warning signs that your teen is suicidal, reach out for professional support to help provide them with life-saving treatment.
At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands how untreated mental health disorders can increase the risk of suicide 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.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
