Teen Suicide

Kids can fall prey to a variety of dangerous methods to cope with the turmoil and anxiety of their adolescent years. The "Troubled Teens" series is intended to bring parents a collection of resources that will answer their most frequent questions about the pitfalls of being a depressed teen. Each week of the series we will cover another of the most common means that teens use to cope with their depression.

What Is It?

Of all the complications of untreated depression, suicide is the most tragic. It has often been called "a permanent solution to a temporary problem". In the midst of depression it can begin to look like the only option left.

Why Do People Do It?

Depressed people who take their own lives do so because they are enduring unbearable psychological pain and perceive that there are no more options available to them. Physical pain can also trigger suicidal feelings, but pain of psychological origin can be just as, if not more, intense.

Who Commits Suicide

Some distinction has been made between "suicide attempters" and "suicide completers". Suicide attempters are likely to be female and generally attempt suicide by taking an overdose of medication. Suicide completers, by contrast, are more often male and tend to use more lethal means. Both genders, however, may fall within either of these groups. Suicide threats should always been taken very seriously. They are a cry for help.

The primary risk factors that have been identified for completed suicides are major depression, substance abuse, severe personality disorders, male gender, older age, living alone, physical illness, and previous suicide attempts. Chronic pain and illness have also been associated with suicide.

Suicide is most prevalen...

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...ms trivial or easily solved to you. What counts is how severe the problem seems to them. Do not treat your teen as if they are simply seeking attention. Suicidal behavior is an indication of deep psychological pain. They are asking for your help. Reassure your child that they are not a burden to you and they are not weak. Praise them for having the courage to ask for help.

As alert as you may be for the signs of suicidality in your teen, it may be that they hide their feelings from you or feel afraid to approach you. The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is dedicated to helping bridge this communication gap. Giving your child one of their Yellow Ribbon Cards if a great way to open up a dialogue with them. It lets them know you are there for them if they need you and gives them a simple way to communicate with you when words are difficult to find.