Young people in their preteen and teenage years are known for having intense emotions. It takes time and experience for people to learn healthy ways to manage their feelings. To someone on the outside, suicidal thoughts may seem extreme or dramatic. The person experiencing them, more often than not, is so overwhelmed or exhausted that they can’t see any other way forward.
If a person you know is considering suicide right now, you can help them. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for immediate support.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 in 2022, according to CDC data. The CDC also found that the national suicide rate among people aged 10 to 24 increased from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2007 to 10.7 in 2018 after remaining stable from 2000 and 2007. It has fluctuated in past years, increasing in 2021 and decreasing in 2022.
In this article, we’ll define what suicidal thoughts are and what you can do to help a young person in your life who’s struggling.
What are suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are thoughts of not wanting to live. A person might be having thoughts that it might be better if they were dead, considering ways they might kill themselves, or making a plan and seeking lethal means. Having suicidal thoughts doesn’t always mean that a person is in danger, but it should always be taken seriously.
What are some different types of suicidal thoughts?
People experiencing suicidal ideation may not actually want to die. These thoughts are often a last resort after enduring a lot of pain or suffering. Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of other conditions, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or a side effect of certain medications. It can also be a reaction to life circumstances and situations that seem beyond a person’s control.
The following are three types of suicidal thoughts a young person may have:
- passive suicidal ideation — thoughts of death or dying without a plan to kill oneself
- intrusive suicidal thoughts — unwanted thoughts of killing oneself that may be repetitive or uncontrollable, as in OCD
- active suicidal ideation — thoughts of wanting to die and making plans to kill oneself
What are some signs my child might be experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are often accompanied by a sudden change in mood. A teen experiencing suicidal thoughts may feel more depressed, agitated or exhausted than they were previously, or they may seem to cheer up as if a weight has been lifted. They may have a hard time socializing with others, or they may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use to deal with emotional pain. Your child may talk to their friends about how they’re feeling before they open up to you. If they mention anything about feeling like a burden, being unable to bear their pain or feeling hopeless, they may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Here’s a list of signs that a person may be experiencing suicidal thoughts from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
- talk about killing themselves, feeling hopeless or trapped, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, unbearable pain
- changes in mood, particularly depression or anxiety, seeming withdrawn or losing interest, irritability, shame, anger, or sudden improvement and relief
- increased use of alcohol or drugs
- looking for a way to end their lives
- withdrawing from activities
- isolating from family and friends
- sleeping too much or too little
- visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- giving away prized possessions
- aggression
- fatigue
What are some potential causes of suicidal thoughts?
There usually isn’t a single cause that’s responsible for a person’s suicidal thoughts. It’s often a number of different factors that combine to overwhelm their ability to cope. Having both a chronic medical condition and emotional pain or a mental health condition can push someone to think about death or dying. Those who have previously attempted suicide and those who have a family history of suicide are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
The following are some risk factors that may prompt someone to experience thoughts of suicide:
- mental health conditions
- medical conditions
- physical pain
- traumatic brain injury
- side effect of certain medications
- stressful life events or prolonged stress
- exposure to another person’s death by suicide
- discrimination
- childhood abuse, neglect or trauma
- generational trauma
What should I do if my child is experiencing suicidal thoughts?
The first thing you should do is have a talk with your child in private. Let them know you’re concerned about them. Mention any behaviors that seem out of character for them, and ask directly if they’ve had any thoughts about death or suicide. Take care not to judge or invalidate the things they share with you. They may not be receptive to advice at this time either. Tell your child that you love them and that their life matters to you. You should also make sure your child doesn’t have access to lethal means.
If your child is having suicidal thoughts, it’s essential that they receive treatment quickly. If they’re actively considering suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. When they’re no longer in crisis, you can seek comprehensive mental healthcare in a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
After you’ve helped your child get the treatment they need, you can work on building up protective factors such as feelings of connection and support at home. Talk through some ways they might solve problems, if possible, and help them develop some healthy coping skills. Cultural and religious beliefs can also be protective factors when they create a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem and encourage connecting and seeking help.
At Embrace U, suicide prevention is an important part of what we do. We’ve helped many young people aged 10 to 18 work through the difficult feelings and life situations that triggered their suicidal thoughts. During treatment, we talk about ways to reframe negative situations and help our patients find healthy coping strategies that work for them. We also provide group therapy and family therapy sessions to help them strengthen their support system for long-term mental well-being.
Are you seeking treatment for a young person in your life? Give us a call at (615) 656-8624 or contact our team. Let’s work together to help your child rediscover their reasons for living.