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Who & What to Look For

There are several risk factors for teen suicide. Parents and everyone need to familiarize themselves with them.

• Aggressive behavior
• Disruptive behavior
• Substance abuse (any type)
• Family history of suicide, mental disorders and/or substance abuse
• Abuse (mental, emotional, physical or sexual) and violence
• Mental, emotional or physical disorders (feeling different)
• The #1 Cause - Depression

These factors can impact the tumultuous feelings experienced by teenagers, leading to feelings of rage or helplessness and a general feeling that life is not worth living. It is important to take teen mood swings and emotions seriously. Things that may seem inconsequential, or fleeting, to an adult may be overwhelming to a teen who doesn’t have years of experience to learn that “things will pass”. Raging hormones from puberty can be upsetting even more to a young person who has not learned self-stabilizing techniques.

Too often, a feeling of helplessness leads to depression and hopelessness. When they are faced with problems that are out of their control, they may see themselves as worthless, helpless and doomed.

It is important to notice if a mood change occurs, and stays. For instance, a formerly easy-going child becomes gloomy or continuously argumentative, or especially, vice versa. Any change in mood or behavior should be monitored, rather than ignored.

Too often, parents think “this is just a phase”, or they are uncomfortable with broaching touchy subjects with their teen. But it is better to be concerned than to ignore subtle or overt symptoms.

Teens are at high-risk for suicide if they have:

• Made previous suicide attempts
• Talk about death as a solution to problems
• Make any comments about suicide, positive or negative (should be followed up)
• Severe mood problems
• An alcohol consumption problem
• Drug usage
• No adequate support network (friends, family, church group, peer group, extracurricular activities, other outlets)
• Exposure to domestic violence
• Alcoholism of a family member
• Recent death of a loved one
• Recent painful break-up with boyfriend or girlfriend
• Divorce in the family leading to feelings of life out-of-control
• Serious mood changes lasting more than a couple of weeks
• Becoming withdrawn from family and friends
• Dramatic changes in personal appearance
• Loss of interest in a favorite activity
• If they are gay or bisexual. Homosexual youth attempt suicide at a higher rate than heterosexual teens because they feel different from others, outcast by society, or even hated.
  NOTE: Not all gay teens commit suicide, obviously, but they are at a higher risk of doing it.

In the next post, I’ll share some further self-destructive behaviors that parents should be alert to. Also, much more information about teen depression and tell-tale signs that a teen is strongly considering suicide.

Brennan

The Kingsland Plan

Save Our Schools

Filed under: Education News