One of the issues that parents of American teenagers most fear is suicide. Teenage suicide is a problem that is all too real. In 2001, suicides in the 10 to 24 years old age group numbered 4,243. Teenage suicide is one of the biggest killers of teens today, second only to motor vehicle deaths.

Teenage suicide has increased significantly over the years. Since 1960, suicide in teenagers has increased by 128 percent.

Teenage boys are at a greater risk. In 2001, 84 percent of teenage suicides were male. Paradoxically, suicidal tendencies are twice as prevalent in teenage girls. However, they are much less likely than teenage boys to succeed with their suicide attempts.

African-American, gay or lesbian teenagers are more than three times more likely than other adolescents to commit suicide.

Children and teenagers being treated for depression with antidepressants are at increased risk for suicidal behavior.

Spotting a Teenager with Suicidal Tendencies

Nobody really knows what drives an individual to attempt suicide. However, experts have suggested that certain adolescents are more susceptible to suicidal tendencies than others:

• teenagers with a family history of suicide or mental health problems
• teenagers who have run away from home
• children who experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse within the home
• adolescents with a recognized psychiatric condition such as ADHD or depression.

Research also reveals that twenty percent of all of those who committed suicide abused alcohol.

Teenage suicide and suicidal tendencies can be a reaction to a set of circumstances. Events that may trigger suicidal thoughts include:

• a relationship breakdown
• family disturbance such as a divorce
• bullying in school
• poor exam results
• being diagnosed with a chronic illness.

Immediate Signs of Suicidal Tendencies

Having a predisposition towards suicide or even suicidal thoughts is a far cry from actually attempting suicide. Parents should be able to recognize signs that their teenager might be considering suicide:

• reckless behavior such as careless driving
• threats to harm or kill themselves
• becoming distant from friends and family
• showing signs of anxiety or depression
• increasing rebellion or anger
• dependence on substances such as alcohol or drugs
• selling or giving away personal possessions
• becoming interested in death.

For every suicide victim, over 25 suicide attempts are made. More than half a million Americans of all ages require medical treatment following a suicide attempt.

Girls are much more likely to attempt suicide but do not succeed as often as boys. This is mainly due to the methods used. Boys tend to use a loaded gun, which is normally fatal, whereas girls tend to use overdoses or wrist slashing, which is much less likely to be fata

Although adults may be tempted to dismiss suicide threats as attention-seeking behavior, all threats should be taken seriously. Teenagers who threaten suicide need help, whether they're intending to commit suicide or not.

Suicide Prevention

Parents may become overwhelmingly upset when they realize that their teenager has suicidal tendencies. However, much can be done to encourage suicide prevention:

• Talk openly with your children about their feelings. Don't be afraid to broach the subject — this alone will not "give them the idea."
• Listen carefully and resist the temptation to leap in and solve their problems.
• Avoid judging them or their opinions.
• Don't preach or patronize. Phrases such as "things could be worse" do little to help someone who is desperate. Instead, give them hope that alternatives exist.
• Never dare someone who has suicidal tendencies.
• Try to establish how serious the threat is by asking directly if they have considered suicide and, if so, when and how.
• Remove from the home or lock up drugs and firearms.
• If the threat seems imminent, take your teenager to the local emergency room or doctor's office. Consider calling emergency services in urgent cases.
• Actively seek help for your teen. Remember that an adolescent with suicidal tendencies has lost all hope and will not have the energy to seek help
• Arrange appointments with professionals for your teenager and attend with them if they wish.

If your teenager refuses help, persist nonetheless. Consider involuntary hospitalization, if necessary. The most important thing that you can do is to listen. Leave psychiatry to the professionals.

Many teenagers with suicidal tendencies seek help. Three-quarters of all individuals who commit suicide had visited a doctor within four months prior to their death.

Remember, you're not alone. Immediately get the necessary support for your teenager but don't overlook the importance of getting assistance for yourself as well. Seeing your child through a crisis may be the most stressful event of your life.

Resources

American Association of Suicidology. (nd). About suicide.

Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA. (2003). A technical assistance sampler on school interventions to prevent youth suicide.

Jensen, P. S. (2003). Rising number of teen suicides.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2004). Understanding suicide: Know the signs.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2005). What to do if someone you know is suicidal.

National Institute of Mental Health. (revised 2003, May). In harm's way: Suicide in America [NIH Publication No. 03-4594].

National Mental Health Association. (nd). Suicide.

NotMyKid.org. (2005). Teen suicide.