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- Becoming withdrawn from family and friends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
Sad article to be dealing with but one which is of tremendous value to all parents.
Mood swings – I guess that can also work in that they may become more outgoing and confident in the knowledge that they have a secret plan going on in their minds.
Knowing that their family are dealing with the home repossessions problem of today, can be another reason for their depression.
Very difficult topic.
Absolutely, AnneMarie,
That is one of the dangers to watch for is when a depressed teen/person begins anti-depressant therapy and starts to move out of a depression-induced lethargy. When they start to have more energy, they may use that new energy to actually take action on something they had been brooding over for some time (suicide).
And yes, having their home repossessed and their family uprooted is a cause for serious depression for people of all ages, including elders.
Excellent point! Thanks,
Brennan
That list is so long it seems like a LOT of people would be at risk, myself included.
Dear Axandra,
Yes, the list is long and that is the point. Modern life is stressful and can be painful at times for everyone. If you are experiencing any of those feelings, I would hope that you have a kind and caring person that you can reach out to.
The problem for teens, and other young people, is that they have no experience with having already survived and overcome those painful periods. They don’t realize yet that they can be happy again in the future.
Although this series is primarily devoted to teen suicide, it has warning signs for all ages. The important thing for anyone who is seriously depressed or feeling hopeless or over-stressed, is to seek help, rather than bottling-it-up inside.
I myself have had periods of time in my life when I doubted that life was worth living. I make no mention in these posts about the loss of a child or a marriage, or a home or a career, but each of those things can be devastating. I was lucky enough to survive painful experiences and grow stronger from them. Teens have not had that luxury. But many others have not either.
I would encourage you, if you have any of those types of crises in your life, that you seek support – to make the passage through to the next happy time bearable.
I appreciate your valuable comment. You have a gift for helping others see the bigger picture.
Thank you,
Brennan