7 Signs of Suicide in Teens You Should Always Look Out For

Overview of Factors In Teen Suicide

Teen suicide is a critical public health issue that demands attention and understanding. It represents not only a tragic end to a young life but also signals underlying issues in the mental health and support systems available to adolescents. 

Suicide is the third cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, and adolescent depression is a major risk factor for suicide [1]. While the patterns and risk factors are complex they are recognizable.

Rapid Changes: A Variety of Pressures

The adolescent years are a formative period characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. These changes can sometimes be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Teenagers face a variety of pressures, from academic expectations and peer relationships to emerging questions of identity and self-worth. 

For some, these pressures can lead to severe psychological distress, which, if not addressed, may culminate in suicidal thoughts or actions.

The Impact of Mental Health

Suicide in teens is often the result of multiple overlapping factors. Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, play a significant role. However, not all young people who suffer from these disorders will necessarily experience suicidal ideation. 

Other contributing factors might include traumatic stress, such as experiencing or witnessing violence, bullying, or the breakup of a significant relationship. Additionally, issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation can further exacerbate feelings of isolation or rejection.

Social Media Influence

The increasing influence of social media is also a significant factor to consider. On one hand, online platforms can provide valuable support networks and access to mental health resources. On the other, they can be arenas for cyberbullying and the spread of harmful content, including glorification of self-harm and suicide. 

The role of social media in a teen’s life underscores the importance of monitoring and understanding its impact on their mental health.

Needed: A Multifaceted Approach

Understanding and addressing teen suicide requires a multifaceted approach. It’s important to create environments—both at home and in schools—where teens feel safe, supported, and understood. 

Education about mental health should begin early, aiming to reduce stigma and promote open discussions about mental health challenges. 

Access to professional mental health services is essential, and these services must be equipped to address the specific needs of teenagers.

Prevention

Prevention efforts also involve recognizing the signs of distress early. These signs can be subtle, such as changes in behavior or mood, withdrawal from social activities, or a decline in academic performance. Often, direct communication about these concerns can provide critical interventions. 

Parents, educators, and peers play a vital role in observing these signs and acting on them promptly.

In summary, teen suicide is a complex issue influenced by a web of interlinked factors including mental health, environmental stressors, and social dynamics. 

Effective prevention hinges on:

• Awareness
• Early intervention
• The availability of supportive and therapeutic resources 

Recognizing and acting on the warning signs can save lives, making education and open dialogue essential components in the fight against this devastating issue.

What Causes a Teen To Commit Suicide?

Understanding the causes behind teen suicide is key for prevention and intervention. Several factors, often interrelated, can contribute to a teenager’s decision to take their own life. These factors can be broadly categorized into psychological, environmental, and situational influences.

Psychological Factors

Mental health issues are prominent contributors to suicide among teens. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. A significant challenge is that these disorders are often undiagnosed or untreated in teenagers, who may be more likely to hide their struggles from adults or peers. 

Substance abuse also plays a critical role, as it can impair judgment, exacerbate existing mental health issues, and increase impulsivity, which can lead to suicidal behaviors.

Environmental Factors

The environment in which a teen grows up is profoundly influential. Family dynamics, such as high expectations, severe disciplinary actions, or a lack of emotional support, can create a pressure cooker of stress. Exposure to domestic violence, abuse, or parental neglect are severe risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of a teen considering or attempting suicide.

Social and Peer Influences

Bullying and cyberbullying are potent triggers for teen suicide. Being bullied can lead to feelings of isolation, humiliation, and helplessness. Social media, while a platform for connection, can also be a double-edged sword. It often presents unrealistic life comparisons, cyberbullying, and the spread of harmful content. 

For LGBTQ+ youth, the risk is exacerbated by potential rejection from family and peers, leading to higher rates of depression and suicide attempts.

Situational Factors

Certain life events can act as catalysts for suicidal thoughts. These include the death of a loved one, a significant breakup, or the exposure to suicide of a peer or through media. These situations can overwhelm a teen’s ability to cope, especially if they lack a strong support network.

Existential and Developmental Issues

Adolescents are at a stage where they are forming their identities and questioning their place in the world. This existential questioning can sometimes lead to profound despair, especially if a teen feels they don’t fit in or can’t meet their own or others’ expectations.

Access to Means to Commit Suicide

The availability of means to commit suicide, such as firearms or prescription drugs, significantly increases the risk. Restricting access to these means is a crucial step in suicide prevention.

Understanding these factors is key to prevention, which must be proactive and multifaceted. It involves creating supportive environments, both at home and in school, promoting mental health awareness, and ensuring that teenagers have access to appropriate counseling and support services. 

Early intervention, open communication, and a supportive community can make a significant difference in preventing teen suicide.

Who is At Risk?

Identifying which teenagers are most at risk for suicide is essential for effective intervention and prevention. While any teen can experience suicidal thoughts under severe stress or trauma, certain groups and individuals display higher susceptibility due to various compounded risk factors:

Teens with Mental Health Disorders

• Adolescents diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis are at a higher risk. 
• These disorders often influence feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, which can lead to suicidal ideation. 
• Particularly depression is a significant risk factor because it directly affects mood and the ability to see future possibilities.

Teens Experiencing Identity Crises

• LGBTQ+ youth often face unique challenges, including societal rejection, discrimination, and internal conflicts about their identity, which can lead to higher rates of depression and suicide. 
• Transgender teens, in particular, are at a substantially higher risk due to rejection, discrimination, and lack of support from family and peers.

Teens with History of Abuse or Trauma

• Children and adolescents who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse are significantly more likely to consider or attempt suicide. 
• Traumatic experiences undermine self-esteem and can lead to feelings of isolation and despair.

Adolescents Facing Significant Life Stressors

• This includes those dealing with the loss of a loved one, parental divorce, or significant relationship problems. 
• Those who have experienced major changes such as moving to a new area or changing schools may feel increased isolation and stress.

Teens with Substance Abuse Problems

• Substance abuse can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and worsen mental health disorders, all of which contribute significantly to the risk of suicide. 
• It can also lead to social isolation and a breakdown of relationships with family and friends, increasing the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Adolescents Without Support Networks

• Teens who lack a supportive social environment—including friends, family, or community support—are more vulnerable. 
• Support networks provide emotional support and help individuals cope with stress, reducing the likelihood of feeling alone in their struggles.

Teens Exposed to Others’ Suicidal Behaviors

Exposure to the suicide of peers, family members, or through media can increase the risk of suicidal behavior in teens. Known as “suicide contagion,” this risk is particularly heightened by sensationalized or detailed media reports of suicide.

Adolescents with Academic or Peer Pressure

• High expectations from oneself, family, or society can overwhelm teens, particularly if they fear they cannot meet these expectations. 
• The stress from this pressure can lead to mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, especially in those who base their self-worth solely on achievements or peer acceptance.

Understanding and monitoring these risk factors in adolescents can lead to timely interventions and potentially save lives. It is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to remain vigilant and proactive in providing the necessary support and resources to help at-risk teens navigate these challenging years.

7 Warning Signs of Suicide in Teens

Recognizing the signs that a teenager may be considering suicide is crucial for timely and effective intervention. These signs, particularly when multiple signs are observed concurrently, should be taken seriously. Early intervention is essential.

Here are seven warning signs that parents, teachers, and peers should be aware of:

1. Changes in Mood and Behavior

• A sudden and significant shift in mood, such as persistent sadness, mood swings, or a marked increase in irritability, can be a warning sign. 
• These emotional disturbances are particularly concerning if they seem out of character for the teen.

2. Withdrawal from Social Activities

• If a teenager starts to pull away from friends, family, or social activities they previously enjoyed, this could indicate a problem. 
• Isolation is a red flag, especially if the teen starts spending most of their time alone, withdrawing from close relationships, or avoiding social interactions.

3. Decline in Academic Performance

A noticeable drop in grades or school performance can signal distress. This might be accompanied by a loss of interest in schoolwork or extracurricular activities, or a lack of motivation to engage in academic pursuits.

4. Expressions of Hopelessness or Helplessness

Pay attention to verbal cues such as statements about hopelessness, worthlessness, or having no future. Phrases like “things will never get better,” “no one would care if I were gone,” or “I’m a burden to everyone,” are serious indicators of suicidal thoughts.

5. Changes in Sleeping or Eating Habits

Significant alterations in sleeping patterns (either insomnia or excessive sleeping) or eating habits (loss of appetite or overeating) can be signs of depression, which is closely linked to suicide.

6. Risky or Self-Destructive Behavior

An increase in activities that reflect a disregard for safety or a desire to harm oneself, such as reckless driving, increased alcohol or drug use, or engaging in dangerous sports without precautions, may indicate that a teen doesn’t value their life.

7. Giving Away Possessions

If a teen suddenly starts giving away prized possessions or making arrangements as if they won’t need things in the future, it can be a sign that they are contemplating ending their life.

What to Do if You Identify Any of Those Signs

When you notice any signs of potential suicidal ideation in a teenager, taking immediate and proactive steps is essential. Remember, the goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of your teenager. 

Providing support, understanding, and professional help can make a significant difference in their life during this critical time. Acting swiftly and compassionately can potentially save a life.

Here’s what you can do to help:

1. Take Any Talk of Suicide Seriously

• If a teen talks about suicide, never assume it is just an attention-seeking behavior. Always take such statements seriously and act immediately. 
• This can include taking the teen to an emergency room or contacting local emergency services if there’s an immediate risk to their safety.

2. For Immediate Help

• In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. The Spanish language phone line is 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free). Services are free and confidential.
• Or contact a crisis service for teenagers in the U.S. called TXT 4 HELP: Text the word “safe” and your current location to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help, with the option for interactive texting.

3. Open A Dialogue

Approach the teen in a caring and non-confrontational way. Let them know you’ve noticed changes in their behavior and you’re concerned. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to express their feelings. It’s important to listen attentively, show empathy, and validate their emotions without dismissing or minimizing their feelings.

4. Express Support and Concern

Make it clear that you care and are there for them. Reassure the teen that their feelings are important and that it’s okay to talk about them, no matter how difficult. Let them know that they are not alone and that there is help available.

5. Remove Potential Means of Suicide

Ensure that the teen does not have access to means of harming themselves. This includes removing firearms, prescription medications, and any other potentially lethal items from accessible places.

6. Encourage Professional Help

Recommend seeking help from a mental health professional. Offer to help them find a therapist or counselor and, if necessary, go with them to the appointment. If the teen is already seeing a mental health professional, encourage them to discuss these feelings with that person.

7. Contact School Counselors or Healthcare Providers

If you are not the parent or guardian, inform adults who are in a position to help, such as school counselors, teachers, or healthcare providers. They can provide additional support and resources.

8. Stay Connected

Continue to check in regularly. Your ongoing support can make a difference. Offer to spend time together, engage in activities they enjoy, and keep them connected with supportive friends and family.

9. Educate Yourself About Suicide Prevention

Learn more about the warning signs of suicide and how to respond effectively. Many organizations offer resources and training that can help you feel more prepared to support someone in crisis.

Sources

[1] Alsaad A. et al. 2023. Depression in Children.National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Clearfork Academy Is Here To Help

If your teen is experiencing depression of any sort, or you feel they may be, but aren’t sure, reach out to us at Clearfork Academy. Our licensed counselors are very experienced working with teens and can provide support.