Suicide Prevention for Teens

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Suicide is believed to be the third leading cause of death for teens in the United States of America, though there are many more attempts than actual suicide completions.  There are usually significant signs in teens before an attempt is ever made.  The ability of friends and others to recognize the signs that show a teen is at risk for suicide or is considering suicide is critical in suicide prevention. Those close to a teen considering suicide may notice significant changes in that person’s behavior, such as a change of friends, or neglect of friendships.  These changes may continue for quite some time and may be obvious in several areas of functioning.

Stressful or traumatic life events can often lead to a suicide attempt in teens.  Friends should be aware that some things that don’t seem stressful for you may be stressful for them.  Some stressful events are sudden losses (death of a loved one, divorce of parents, etc.) or life changes (separation from loved ones, or other relationship changes, having a child or losing a child through miscarriage or abortion), physical (health, accidents, natural disasters, or war related events) or sexual trauma (childhood sexual abuse, date rape, rape, etc.).  Note that the trauma does not have to be personally experienced by a teen, but may be experienced in a person close to the one who actually experienced the event.  They may have personally experienced a traumatic event, seen a traumatic event or graphic images of the event, or simply have heard a graphic portrayal of the traumatic event in person, or in the media.

A person who is suicidal for any reason needs to feel they have others in their life who love and care for them, and that there is hope for change in their life circumstances. Family members or friends of a teen considering suicide should never keep this kind of secret, even if you promised them you wouldn’t tell. They may be angry at you for a while, but they’ll get the help they need. When there seems to be no other sources of help, as a Christian friend, you may be their last hope.  If family and friends have rejected them, or tried to keep a suicide attempt a secret, or denied the problem exists, then you need to be willing to step up and be the one who stands in the gap for them, through your knowledge, support, and prayer.  Suicide situations need to be handled openly and truthfully, while getting as much help and support for the suicidal teen as possible.  When the responsibility for the person is shared by several helpful people in their life, then they will likely feel more loved and cared for by those around them. Helpful family members, close friends, teachers, ministers, counselors, doctors, and others are all good helpers for a person who is considering or has attempted suicide.

When deciding if a teen you know has a plan, think about how deadly their plan is.  If a gun is involved the plan is more likely to cause death. Jumping from high places or hanging themselves, are more deadly plans than taking pills or cutting wrists.  Think about whether or not the plan is realistic and if they have access to what they need to carry out the plan.  Think about if the plan has specific elements such as time, place, technique, etc.  High risk activities are writing notes, emails, texts, or letters stating suicidal intentions, or giving away personal items, collecting pills or other deadly substances, having access to a gun, or another potentially deadly weapon. If the plan is obviously unrealistic, or seems confusing, a mental or emotional disorder may be present, and help should be sought out.  If a realistic plan or an attempt has been made, always seek help immediately.  If you are with a friend who threatens or attempts suicide, get help from an adult immediately. Call 911 first, then others who are needed.  A parent or other loved one should not be called first to the scene, without notifying proper authorities. If the suicide threat is successfully completed, loved ones may come upon the scene with no one else there to support them in the time of crisis.

Some warning signs to look for are:

• Previous suicide attempts
• Prior history of sexual, physical, verbal,      and/or emotional abuse
• Verbalized or written threats
• Knowledge of methods of suicide
• Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness
• Words of anger at self or others
• Themes of death and depression in verbal, written, or artistic form
• Giving away important possessions
• Talk of not being missed if gone
• Self-abusive behaviors (cutting, taking pills, excessive piercing, etc.)
• Recent loss by death or separation (parent or other loved one, pet)
• Personality changes (Withdrawal, aggressiveness, moodiness)
• High Risk behaviors (promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, reckless driving)
• Change in academic performance/ skipping school
• Running away
• Physical symptoms ( headaches, stomach aches, eating and sleeping disorders)
• Ignoring personal appearance (not bathing, combing hair, etc.)

When a teen shows signs of suicidal thinking, you should:

• Listen carefully to how they are feeling, while encouraging them to talk to you or another trusted person.
• Be truthful about your feelings of being scared, worried, or uncertain.
• Share your own experiences of feeling sad, hurt, alone, and helpless.  Let them know they are not alone in these feelings.
• Get help when suicidal thoughts are known.  Seek help from teachers, counselors, ministers, local crisis centers.
• Let them know that there are other options than suicide, and that suicide is an unchangeable answer to a changeable problem.
• In the event that a suicide threat occurs with an obvious plan, call 911 immediately, then other necessary parties.