Is my teen suicidal?
Are you worried about how COVID-19 regulations are affecting your teen’s mental health? Reading about the high suicide rates among teens during COVID-19 and seeing how it affects our communities and children are worrisome. This article will talk about the warning signs of suicidal behavior and what you can do about it.
Statistics
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10 to 34 years old.
The suicide rate increased by 2% every year from 2006 to 2018.
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women.
People between the ages of 15 and 24 and those over 60 are considered high risk.
These stats are alarming, and the first step in preventing suicide is to know the warning signs.
The warning signs of suicide
Changes in behavior
If you notice any of these behavioral changes in your teen, trust your gut and act if needed.
Changes in sleeping habits. Sleeping too much, or too little. Look out for signs of insomnia.
Changes in eating habits. Overeating or not eating enough.
Isolating themselves from friends and family.
Physical pain such as headaches, stomach aches, and other aches that can’t be medically explained. These are also called psychosomatic symptoms.
Changes in mood
As we all, teens experience changes in mood as they work through stress and other disappointments, but if there are significant mood changes for longer than two weeks, it is time to look into it. I know we are in the midst of a turbulent season, and most of us are on an emotional rollercoaster. But you know your child, and if their temperament shifts from engaged, calm, and relatively happy to withdrawn, aggressive, or anxious, it is time to get help.
Diagnosis of depression
Suicide is often associated with depression. Look out for signs of depression and talk to a pediatrician or a mental health therapist about it.
Preoccupied with death
It is natural for teens to have thoughts and questions about death, eternal life, COVID-19, and what will happen if their parents pass away. During COVID-19, thoughts and questions of death will be more prevalent since there is an increased awareness of people in our communities falling sick or passing away. Encourage and embrace discussions and questions your teen might have about death. Be on the lookout for high-risk behaviors such as:
Researching ways to die
Talking about their own death
Statements about dying and what will happen if they die.
Other statements such as, “I wish I was dead; I won’t bother you anymore when I’m gone; You will be better off when I am gone.”
These statements are serious and you can openly talk about them. Some parents are concerned they will encourage suicidal behavior and give their teens “ideas”. However, talking openly and honestly about suicide can help to prevent it.
Feelings of hopelessness
Look out for any signs or expressions of hopelessness. For example, “No one can help me; I will always feel this way, and nothing is going to change.” If your teen’s excitement about the future, upcoming vacations, and going to college has disappeared, take note and talk about it.
Changes at school
These changes might be hard to identify when there isn’t stability or routine in our educational system due to COVID-19. But you know your child and have a sense of what is normal behavior for them. Trust your gut and take the necessary precautions when needed. There are many resources available to help you navigate this.
Lower than usual academic performance
Decreased interaction with friends and teachers
School refusal
Loss of interest in daily activities such as sports and extracurricular activities.
Other factors that can increase the risk of suicide
A previous suicide attempt, regardless of how serious it was.
Family history of suicide or suicide attempts.
Exposure to other suicide attempts at school.
Experiencing a loss. For example, parents’ divorce, loss of a relationship, or a loved one who passed away.
Chronic bullying
Domestic violence or witnessing violence
Access to firearms
Impulsivity
Feeling rejected or like a burden. Teens can easily feel like a burden when they hear their parents complain about online schooling and child care during COVID-19.
Navigating these warning signs during COVID-19 can be challenging since we are collectively exposed to death, losses, and disappointments. It can be hard to distinguish between normal responses related to grief and COVID-19 and warning signs of suicidal behavior. Remember that simple questions such as “Are you feeling depressed or sad lately?” or “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself” can give you more information and help you decide whether professional help is needed. These questions will indirectly communicate to your teen that you “see them” and deeply care. Talking about suicide won’t encourage suicidal behavior or give them “ideas.” All statements and warning signs related to suicide should be taken seriously. You can also seek an evaluation by a mental health practitioner specializing in teens or contact their pediatrician to discuss your concerns about their mental health and possible suicidal behavior.
If your teen is in immediate danger of suicide, visit your local emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for more resources.
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
References
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Children and Suicide: Are there Red Flags to Look For?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide and Self-Harm Injury
Information on this website is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a mental health therapist or other healthcare professional. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disorder, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Names, characters, places, and incidents on this website are for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
