Suicidal Tendencies and Prevention in Teenagers

Spotting a Teenager with Suicidal Tendencies

• teenagers with a family history of suicide or mental health problems
• teenagers who have run away from home
• children who experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse within the home
• adolescents with a recognized psychiatric condition such as ADHD or depression.

Research also reveals that twenty percent of all of those who committed suicide abused alcohol.

Teenage suicide and suicidal tendencies can be a reaction to a set of circumstances. Events that may trigger suicidal thoughts include:

• a relationship breakdown
• family disturbance such as a divorce
• bullying in school
• poor exam results
• being diagnosed with a chronic illness.

Immediate Signs of Suicidal Tendencies

• reckless behavior such as careless driving
• threats to harm or kill themselves
• becoming distant from friends and family
• showing signs of anxiety or depression
• increasing rebellion or anger
• dependence on substances such as alcohol or drugs
• selling or giving away personal possessions
• becoming interested in death.

For every suicide victim, over 25 suicide attempts are made. More than half a million Americans of all ages require medical treatment following a suicide attempt.

Girls are much more likely to attempt suicide but do not succeed as often as boys. This is mainly due to the methods used. Boys tend to use a loaded gun, which is normally fatal, whereas girls tend to use overdoses or wrist slashing, which is much less likely to be fatal.

Although adults may be tempted to dismiss suicide threats as attention-seeking behavior, all threats should be taken seriously. Teenagers who threaten suicide need help, whether they're intending to commit suicide or not.

Suicide Prevention

• Talk openly with your children about their feelings. Don't be afraid to broach the subject—this alone will not "give them the idea."
• Listen carefully and resist the temptation to leap in and solve their problems.
• Avoid judging them or their opinions.
• Don't preach or patronize. Phrases such as "things could be worse" do little to help someone who is desperate. Instead, give them hope that alternatives exist.
• Never dare someone who has suicidal tendencies.
• Try to establish how serious the threat is by asking directly if they have considered suicide and, if so, when and how.
• Remove from the home or lock up drugs and firearms.
• If the threat seems imminent, take your teenager to the local emergency room or doctor's office. Consider calling emergency services in urgent cases.
• Actively seek help for your teen. Remember that an adolescent with suicidal tendencies has lost all hope and will not have the energy to seek help
• Arrange appointments with professionals for your teenager and attend with them if they wish.

If your teenager refuses help, persist nonetheless. Consider involuntary hospitalization, if necessary. The most important thing that you can do is to listen. Leave psychiatry to the professionals.