Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The week of September 8 – September 14 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Teen suicide in particular is a growing issue, and urgently needs attention. What can you do if your teen or someone you know show signs of being suicidal? Let’s take a look.
Teen Suicide Statistics:
We have seen a growing problem with teen suicide in society today. Situations like the school shooting in Winder, Georgia can sometimes be a catalyst for students who are already struggling. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
“for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death”
This is a disturbing statistic and indicates a very serious problem amongst our young people. Here are some additional facts from the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (ASPCC):
- More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, combined.
- Suicide results in approximately 4600 lives lost each year.
- Each day in our nation, there are an average of over 5,400 suicide attempts by young people grades 7-12.
- Four out of five teenagers who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs.
- Kids who are bullied are more than twice as likely to consider suicide, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
What to Look For:
There are a number of signs to look for to identify a young person who may be considering suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
How Can You Help?
Here are 5 things you can do to help if your teen is suspected of being suicidal:
- Acknowledge negative feelings and provide support – listen to what is bothering them and offer your support
- Be honest with the teen – validate their concerns and let them know their feelings are temporary
- Promote social connectivity – this is not social media, this is doing more together as a family
- Ask questions and have conversations
- Seek professional help
As a parent, I can’t think of anything more concerning than my child being driven to the point of being suicidal. You may have a great relationship with your child, but there still may be some things that they are going through and don’t want to share. The kids today have so many outside influences than those we had growing up, i.e. social media, cyberbullying, etc. Jesus holds a special place in His heart for children (Mark 10: 13-14):
“And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”
Do you have an experience you want to share? If so please do so in the comments. Comments are welcome and encouraged.
God Bless
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