Part 1: Children/Adolescents
By Dr. Stacey Gagliano
Suicidal ideation is a serious concern that affects individuals across all ages and backgrounds. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021, suicides nearly doubled the number of homicides in the U.S. and in 2022, it was the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-14 and 25-34, and the third for those aged 15-24. Unfortunately, suicide rates have seen a troubling increase over recent years. From 2000 to 2018, the rate of suicides in the U.S. rose by 37%.
Understanding who is at risk and recognizing the warning signs can be crucial in preventing tragedy and providing timely help. In this two-part blog, we’ll explore key factors that contribute to an increased risk for suicidal ideation, important warning signs to be aware of, as well as what you can do if someone you know is struggling with these thoughts and feelings.
Who is at Risk? – Youth
- Identity questions: Struggles with sexual or gender identity can lead to increased risk.
- Victims of bullying.
- Access to lethal means: Availability of firearms or other means can heighten risk. Firearms were involved in over 50% of all suicide deaths in 2022.
- History of self-harm or previous attempts.
- Mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression, and/or struggles with chronic medical conditions.
- Recent loss: Youth experiencing significant losses are at higher risk.
- Witness to violence or family history of suicide.
- Lack of social support: can increase feelings of isolation.
- Lack of access to mental health resources or services.
- Stigma: Cultural or societal stigma around seeking help can prevent individuals from reaching out.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
- Verbal threats of death, seeking access to weapons, and/or talk of death/dying
- Hopelessness and rage: Feelings of despair, rage, or seeking revenge
- Changes: Neglecting personal appearance, changes in appetite, and/or withdrawing from friends/family
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Feeling trapped: A sense of being trapped with no way out
- Making arrangements: Preparing for end-of-life matters, like updating a will or saying goodbye
- Increased substance use
- Mood swings: Dramatic changes in mood or personality
- Loss of purpose: Feeling that life has no meaning or purpose
What Can I Do to Help?
If you are the parent/guardian of a child who struggles with or is at risk for suicidal ideation,
- Take steps to reduce access to lethal means in your home.
- Remove all firearms from the home, or at a minimum, ensure that they are all locked and inaccessible to your child. Store bullets separate from the guns.
- Secure all medications and sharp objects in your home as well.
- Seek the support of a mental health provider. Ensure that an appropriate safety plan is created.
- In the case of an emergency, call 911 or bring your child to your nearest emergency room for an evaluation. You may also wish to contact mobile crisis intervention services in your area.
Hotlines
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741
- National de Prevencion del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- The Trevor Project (Crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
- The National Runaway Safeline: 800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929)
Check our social media for more resources and useful information.
Sources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024, May 11). Suicide statistics.
https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ((2024, April 25). Suicide facts.
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, February). Suicide statistics.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
National Vital Statistics System. (2024). Mortality 2018-2022 on CDC WONDER Online
Database. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html
