Parents Should Talk to Teens About Suicide

Did you know that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 10-19 year-olds in the United States? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 60 percent of high school students said they had thought about killing themselves and about 9 percent said they had tried at least once.

These are shocking statistics, but it is also known that most youth who die by suicide suffer from a mental or substance use disorder. It is important to look for signs and get professional help for your child. Besides substance abuse and mental illness, other risk factors include:

• Previous suicide attempts
• A family history of suicide
• Easy access to lethal methods, such as guns or pills
• Incarceration
• A stressful life event or loss
• Exposure to suicidal behavior in others

Suicide can occur in clusters, sometimes as a ripple effect of the suicide of a friend or celebrity that receives widespread media coverage. Below are some signs of suicide to watch for in your child:

• Complains of being a bad person or feeling "rotten inside"
• Gives verbal hints such as "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "nothing matters," "it's no use," and "I won't see you again."
• Puts affairs in order, for example, gives away favorite toys, cleans room, and throws away important belongings
• Becomes suddenly cheerfull after a period of depression
• Shows signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizzare thoughts)
• Shows little interest in the future
• Acts in rash, hostile ways; often expresses rage

If you recognize any of these symptoms, ask your child if he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide. Asking reassures that he/she is not alone. Don't leave him/her alone. If you think your child has a mental illness or substance abuse problem, get him/her the help that he/she needs even if he/she resists. Most important, take any suicide attempt seriously.

If your child or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the JFS Counseling Center for help. If someone is in immediate danger, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or 911.

--Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department

Adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics and Screening for Mental Health, Inc.

Photo from http://www.depressiontreatmenthelp.org/