Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts in Teenagers: What Parents Need to Know?

Suicide among teenagers may be associated with feelings of pressure, loss, stress, and self-doubt. For some teens, suicide may be a solution to their problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Suicide is the third-leading cause of death in 15-24 years old after accidents and homicide.

The Adolescence Stage is a time of identifying one's sexuality and relationship. A need for freedom usually goes against the rules and expectations set by others.

Teens are frequently caught in the gray area between childhood and adulthood. Indeed, it is time for opportunities as a new chapter unfolds, but it can also be a period of stress and worry as there is always pressure to fit in socially, stand out academically, and act responsibly, per Kids Health.

Risk factors for teen suicide

The majority of teenagers who attempt or die by suicide have mental health conditions. As an outcome, they have trouble coping with the stress of being a teen, including rejection, breakups, failure, difficulties in school, and family turmoil.

They also cannot see that they can turn their lives around, and they will treat suicide as a permanent response to a temporary problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, suicide attempts in adolescent girls in the U.S. are more common than in boys, but they are more likely to die by suicide than girls.

A teen might feel suicidal because of certain life circumstances.

Developmental changes for some teens can be unsettling when combined with other events such as family problems, changes in friendships, problems in school, and other losses.

Suicide among youth affects families every day in Australia as it is the leading cause of death among young people. In 2017, approximately 400 people aged 15-24 died by suicide. Research shows that during this period of age, there are roughly around 100-200 suicide attempts, per Better Health.

Read Also: Suicidal Thoughts Increasing In Youth Since Before Pandemic, Says Experts

What do parents need to know?

Parents need to know the warning signs so suicidal teens can get the help they need, as many teens who attempt to take their own lives have given their loved ones some type of warning ahead of time.

Although suicide is not always preventable, parents need to be informed so they can take action to help a suicidal teenager.

Just doing it for attention is only a myth. Parents should scrutinize information that would connect to their children as it is important to know their feelings, considering that if they feel ignored, the chance of them harming themselves can increase.

Talk openly with your teen regarding mental health issues and ask them what they feel. Do not dismiss their feelings and tell them you're willing to help as it can assure them.

Seek medical help for your teen as they need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems.

Such doctors will provide an accurate picture of what is currently happening from a different point of view.

If your child has a mental health issue, the proper treatment will give them the best chance of recovery. Parents can show support by offering to arrange mental health appointments and going with them, per Raising Children.

Related Article: How To Decrease Suicide Risk in Teens