No parent ever thinks that their child would consider harming themselves—or worse. However, the truth of the matter is that no person is entirely safe from the risk of suicide, not even your child. In this day and age, with the proliferation of social media and the recent need for social isolation, any teen is at risk.
Suicide has long been a serious health problem among all age groups, especially for teens aged 10 to 24. The suicide rate among young people increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018, evidently becoming a trend that’s dangerously rising by the day.
The Causes of Teen Suicide
Many things could cause your teen to think of suicidal thoughts. Although no teen is immune to suicide, individuals who have mental conditions have a greater possibility of wanting to end their lives. Mental illness, such as depression, has been one of the major contributing causes of having a suicidal mindset.
However, keep in mind that depression doesn’t always lead to suicide. You should take a clinically depressed seriously even without the risk of suicide—it’s essential to provide them with the necessary mental health services and as much support and that you can give.
There is no simple answer as to why teens consider suicide. Every person has different personalities, lives, and mindsets, so the reason behind their suicidal thoughts could be complex.
Moreover, the teenage years are a tumultuous time and can already be stressful on their own. With the constant significant changes happening, stress, confusion, fear, and doubt could pile up and significantly impact a teen’s mental health.
The Common Signs of Suicide
Unfortunately, preventing suicide by dealing with the causes isn’t always possible, which is why it’s also crucial to recognize the warning signs. No one wants to end up suffering from a painful and traumatic incident because they never saw it coming.
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to check on your teen and determine if they’re suicidal and need to speak with a mental health counselor near you.
Many teenagers with an intent of ending their life share common habits and circumstances, such as:
Making threats or jokes about suicide
Apparent changes in eating or sleeping habits
Withdrawal from family and friends
Giving away belongings for no reason
Development of personality changes
Increased alcohol or drug use
Aggressive or hostile behavior
Risky or self-destructive actions
What You Can Do
If your teen checks all the boxes, then they may end their life at any time. You can call 911 or a suicide hotline number, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-8255. However, if they aren’t in immediate danger, we recommend talking to your child about suicide and listen to what they have to say.
One conversation can be the start of their healing, but it won’t solve your teen’s problems. Of course, your love and support are crucial to overcoming their suicidal thoughts, but they also need professional help. Talking to a mental health therapist can give your teen a psychiatric evaluation and develop a plan of action to help them become mentally well once again.
Conclusion
Suicide is never an easy topic to talk about, but addressing this problem is crucial to prevent your child from attempting to end their life. Make sure to be on the lookout for the warning signs and to reach out to a professional experienced in diagnosing and treating teens with mental health problems.
Do you suspect your teen is suffering from suicidal thoughts? Our team of mental health professionals can help your child and provide them with the support they need. We have the best therapists in Houston who specialize in suicide counseling. Call us for an appointment today.
