Teen Depression and Suicide

Aug. 16, 2024
ComPsych Guidance Resources
Helping hand for sad unhappy lonely young woman

Adolescence is a period of major social, hormonal and emotional change. It is common for teens to be concerned with self-image and become sensitive to the slightest criticism.

However, when a teen experiences trauma, social isolation or another common factor of depression during such a critical time in their lives, it is little wonder that some adolescents become seriously depressed and even suicidal.

Depression

According to statistics gathered by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2017, approximately 9.4 percent of individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode over the last year. If you believe that your teen may be depressed, it is important for you to notice any behaviors that may indicate so. Warning signs include:

  • A radical and otherwise unexplained personality change.
  • Consistently sleeping more than usual or sleeping very little.
  • Repeated attempts to run away.
  • Frequent and lengthy bouts of anger or violent behavior.
  • Chronic boredom.
  • Ongoing inability to concentrate, pay attention or think clearly.
  • Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed, such as sports or hobbies.
  • Self-punishing behaviors, such as bingeing on food, starving, self-mutilation, etc. Withdrawing from family and friends.
  • Abusing drugs or alcohol.
  • Selecting new friends who seem to have a negative influence on him or her. 
  • Major fluctuation in performance at school.

Fortunately, depression is a very treatable medical illness. Experts have found that the combination of counseling and medication has a good track record of managing depression in teens. Arrange for a psychicatrist, psychologist or social worker to evaluate your teen. Your child's primary care physician can be helpful for prescribing medication or providing a referral.

Suicide

Left untreated, a clinically depressed adolescent is much more susceptible to attempting suicide. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24 years old. Because some accidents like car crashes actually may be suicides, it is difficult to know the real extent of the problem.

Studies show that suicide attempts by teens are the result of long-standing problems. Triggered by a specific event or trauma, a depressed teen may view the situation in a distorted way, believing the pain they are experiencing will last forever. These situations might include the death of a loved one, being bullied, or experiencing chronic loneliness.

Risk Factors

The following is a list of risk factors that may indicate your teenager is at risk for suicide:

  • Behaving in a depressed manner.
  • Having a peer who has died by suicide. It is rare but not unheard of for one teen to make a pact promising to die by suicide if another does.
  • Threatening or talking about killing oneself or others. Experts see a link between some teen violence and suicide.
  • Expressing no hope for the future.
  • Being bullied by an individual or group of peers. Experts are just beginning to understand the emotional damage bullying can cause teens and children.
  • Talking or behaving like no one cares or that life is hopeless.
  • Making final preparations, such as giving away possessions, saying goodbyes, etc.
  • Abusing drugs or alcohol.
  • Neglecting school performance.
  • Being preoccupied with songs, movies or video games with violent or suicidal content.
  • Being accused of or outed for being gay. Because of the difficulties gay teens face, they can be at particularly high risk.
  • Decreased production of serotonin levels in the brain
  • Genetic factors, such as having parents or other family members who have the disease

Talking with Your Teen
Some parents feel that by discussing the topic of suicide, they are putting thoughts into their teen's head. Chances are, if you suspect your teen is suicidal, he or she has already given it plenty of consideration. By discussing the subject in a frank and open manner, you are sending a clear message to your teen that you care about what he or she thinks and feels. Be sure to have a two-way discussion, not a lecture. Do more listening than talking.

 For depressed individuals, shame can be debilitating; build them up and remind them that they are valued. Make a game plan with your teen that includes how to get help and identifies healthy means of coping. 

Discourage your teen from acting out when he or she fears that he or she has disappointed or let friends or family down. Emphasize that if you are disappointed in something your teen has done, making mistakes is part of growing up, and you will still love him or her unconditionally.

Some parents dismiss talk of suicide as an idle threat or a ploy for attention. Even if a teenager were to attempt suicide merely for attention, there is a great risk that he or she may accidentally go too far and inadvertently kill him or herself. If a first attempt does not bring the desired attention, the next is likely to be more lethal.

There is a common myth that the more someone talks about suicide, the less likely he or she is to act on it. In fact, people who attempt suicide often drop subtle hints or openly discuss their plans with their peers or family. They may become preoccupied with music or peer groups that are obsessed with death. Although this may just be a passing phase, err on the side of caution and ask your teen what the lyrics, dress or behaviors mean to them. Treat the subject of suicide very seriously, and help your teen find the treatment he or she needs to change the way he or she feels.

How to Help

Be sure to take action immediately if you suspect your teen is suicidal.

Because of the impulsive nature of many teen suicides, firearms are a serious threat. If you own any firearms, remove them from the house or lock them up securely. Keep the keys and ammunition in a separate, equally well-hidden space.

Remember that teens can be very resourceful in finding hiding places. Prescription medications, over-the-counter pills and anything else harmful if ingested in mass quantities also should be inaccessible to a suicidal teenager.

It is very important for parents to not treat suicide as if it is a phase that their child is going through. If you observe these behaviors in your son or daughter, do not ignore them or wait for the behaviors to change. Set up an appointment with a therapist or doctor. A teenager in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis situation should be immediately taken to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. In a life-threatening emergency, call the police.

By recognizing the warning signs, not being afraid to discuss the subject and taking action when necessary, you can help your teen navigate these often difficult and sensitive years.

Resources

©2024 ComPsych ® Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only. It is always important to consult with the appropriate professional on financial, medical, legal, behavioral or other issues. As you read this information, it is your responsibility to make sure that the facts and ideas apply to your situation.