When it comes to addressing mental health concerns in teenagers, suicide prevention is a top priority. If you believe your teen is at risk of harming themselves or others, it’s important to take immediate action. You can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to get support right away. As a parent, taking advantage of the mental health resources available can make a crucial difference in your teen’s life. Learning more about suicidality in youth can be a great start to developing a better understanding of what your teen may be going through.
Suicide is a major risk for teens. Statistics show that suicide is the third-leading cause of death among high school-aged youths aged 14-18 years. A large percentage of teens in this age group (30% of female students and 14.3% of male students) report seriously considering suicide. The high rates of suicidality in teens can be attributed to many factors.
Driving factors behind teen suicide rates
- Mental health conditions — Suicidality is often associated with mental health conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD). If your teen has a history of mental health challenges, they may be at an increased risk of suicidality.
- Identity — Teens with marginalized identities are often more likely to experience suicidal ideation. In addition to the significant disparity between male and female suicidality rates, other groups that face a higher risk include racial minorities and LGBTQ+ youth.
- Family dynamics — Family dysfunction can have a significant impact on an adolescent’s mental and emotional state. Parental divorce, neglect and domestic violence are all factors that can increase a teen’s risk of suicidality. Family economic status can also play a role. A study conducted for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 1 in 5 children living below 100% of the federal poverty level had a mental, behavioral, or developmental condition.
Signs of suicidality in teens
Are you concerned that your teen may be experiencing suicidality? Learning about the common signs of suicidality can help you stay vigilant and understand when to take action. Here are some key signs of suicidality in teens:
- Talking about suicide or self-harm — If your teen talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, take it seriously. Teenagers may try to pass off these comments as jokes, but persistent comments about self-harm are often a cry for help. When your teen is outspoken about their thoughts and feelings, it can be a great opportunity to start a real conversation. Engaging with them while offering empathy and support can be a good way to bolster your teen’s confidence as you navigate the next steps together.
- Substance use — Has your teen started using alcohol or other drugs? In many cases, teenagers use substances as a way to cope with negative thought processes and emotional states. If you notice your teen turning to harmful substances, intervention is important. Instead of just trying to stop the substance use, try to find out why your teen started their habit in the first place. Understanding your teen’s mental state can be helpful as you work to find a solution.
- Sudden behavioral changes — Persistent suicidal thoughts are often accompanied by major behavioral shifts. A person who is seriously contemplating suicide may start to withdraw from close friends and family. Mood swings are also common. While persistent sadness tends to be a key indicator of depression, good moods can also come with suicidality. Sometimes, individuals have a calm or even a cheerful demeanor in the days before taking their life, which could be misconstrued as an improved mental state. Other clear warning signs include giving away beloved possessions and saying goodbye to people. By being cognizant of your teen’s behavioral shifts, you can intervene and help them go down a better path.
Suicide prevention for teens: How to seek help
When it comes to suicide prevention, being proactive is key. Helping your teen get the treatment they need now can prevent their symptoms from worsening later on.
The first step is talking to your teen. Listen when they express their feelings and work with them to seek solutions. Professional treatment can have a profound positive impact on their mental well-being. If your teen has already tried therapy, it might be time to look into treatment strategies such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Intensive outpatient care is designed to offer comprehensive treatment tailored to the mental health needs of your child. Consulting a mental health professional can help you determine what level of treatment may suit your teen best.
Embrace U is here to help teens struggling with suicidality
Embrace U offers effective outpatient mental health programs for patients aged 10-18. After a free clinical consultation, we can work with your family to build a treatment plan that meets your child’s needs. We work with most major insurance providers and offer payment plans.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.