How To Tell If Your Teen is Considering Suicide and What To Do

This content has been updated from previous article on September 6, 2020.

Teenagers are living in a completely different—and much more stressful—world than the previous generation. Challenges in school, at home, in friendships, and online can increase and reinforce their feelings of discouragement, rejection, and defeat over time. Prolonged exposure to these negative feelings can eradicate their sense of self, and can lead to all sorts of behaviors including isolation, alcohol & drug use, self-harm, and even possibly, suicide.

The death of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and even thinking about it can cause distress. Horrifically, far too many families have to face the tragedy of child or teen suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14.

Though it’s hard to think about, all parents should be aware of the risks. Most importantly, parents should be able to identify warning signs of suicide and learn how to intervene if needed because early intervention can save lives.

Which Teens Are Most At Risk of Suicide?

Suicide can affect anyone from any walk of life. However, some people are more at-risk than others.

Research finds that teens are more at risk for suicide if they:

  • Identify as LGBTQIA, particularly those without supportive family and friends
  • Live with a mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
  • Abuse alcohol or drugs
  • Have a family history of suicide
  • Know someone who died by suicide
  • Get bullied at school
  • Have access to lethal means, including medications and firearms
  • Feel like asking for help is unacceptable
  • Lack the services they need, such as mental health care

Teens may also be at risk of suicide in the direct aftermath of a serious loss. This includes the death

Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

Perhaps the most obvious way to know that a child or teen is considering suicide is if they say so or write about it. Any statement like “I want to die,” or “I’ll kill myself,” should be taken seriously. Although teens can be dramatic, never think that a teen is “just being dramatic” when they say or write things like this.

Even if they have said these things before, don’t ever think of them as the teen who cried wolf. Take it seriously any time a teenager talks about wanting to die, and consider that they are serious. Even if they feel this way for something you see as no-big-deal, it could be a significant issue for them.

Of course, not every teen will outright say that they are having suicidal thoughts. And it can be hard to understand their thought processes in the best of times. Even if they never verbalize it, you should look for and take signs of suicidal thoughts seriously.

Some of the warning signs that a teen is considering suicide include:

  • Significantly reducing social contact
  • Noticeable changes in sleep
  • Significant changes in eating habits
  • Panicked often in a variety of situations
  • Performing much worse in school
  • Giving away favorite items and prized possessions
  • Unusually rebellious or violent behaviors
  • Major changes to their personality
  • Self-destructive behaviors
  • No longer planning for the future

Many of these signs could be explained by other issues. However, if you believe your teen could be considering suicide, it’s important to ask them  what’s going on and seek the appropriate help.

LifeStance Health is a national leader in mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness with multiple locations in 33 states. Services vary by location.

Find a provider near you:

Protective Factors Against Teen Suicide

Just like there are factors that increase a teen’s risk of suicide, there are factors that can protect them against suicidal ideation. Research shows that certain protective factors can lower the risk of suicide in teens.

A teenager is less likely to consider suicide if they have:

  • A reasonably safe and stable environment
  • Restricted access to guns and other lethal means
  • Responsibilities and duties to others
  • Strong connections to family, friends, and community
  • Good coping and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to manage their anger
  • Access to physical and mental health care
  • A healthy fear of risky behaviors and pain
  • A sense of control in their life
  • A sense of purpose and meaning
  • Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
  • Healthy self-esteem and a sense of self-worth
  • Optimism and a hope for the future

It is important to note that there is hope. Knowing and nurturing these protective factors can help decrease suicidal thoughts and ideation. Family and friends can all contribute to strengthening protective factors and can make a real difference in how a teen sees themself. Increasing resilience is an ongoing process that can help mitigate the presence of risk factors or stressful situations. However, it is equally important to note that positive resistance to suicidal thoughts and feelings is not a permanent solution, and teens who are experiencing these thoughts and feelings should be encouraged to seek help from a medical professional right away.

What To Do If Your Teen is Having Suicidal Thoughts

Be sure to stay connected to your teen and get them the mental health care they need. If your teen is in immediate danger, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988,or take them to the nearest emergency room. We also have a free, step-by-step guide available that tells you what to do if a loved is having suicidal thoughts.

Authored By 

LifeStance Health

LifeStance is a mental healthcare company focused on providing evidence-based, medically driven treatment services for children, adolescents, and adults.