Teen suicide is a tragic epidemic. According to the American Psychological Association, suicide in teens is the second-leading cause of death among young people (ages 15-24 years old). Kids Health cites that for every 1 suicide 25 attempts have
Teen suicide is a tragic epidemic. According to the American Psychological Association, suicide in teens is the second-leading cause of death among young people (ages 15-24 years old). Kids Health cites that for every 1 suicide 25 attempts have been made. The Jason Foundation states that every day there is an average of 5,240 attempts of teen suicide by students in grades 7-12.
The impact of teen suicide is felt throughout entire communities. Family, friends, community members, pastors, and peers are all left in shock, sadness, or wondering if there was something that they could have done to prevent such a course of action.
Whether a child feels overwhelmed, hopeless, frustrated, hurt, or unloved, suicide may seem like an answer to their pain and hurt. There are a number of complex reasons a teenager may choose to end their life.
What Causes Teens to Commit Suicide
What would cause a teenager to decide to take their own life? There are a variety of complex factors that go into a teenager making such a lasting and tragic decision.
Mental Health Problems in Teens
Young people and teenagers suffering from mental health issues and disorders may be more likely to contemplate or commit suicide. Disorders such as anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia may increase suicidal thoughts in teens.
Family Doctor cites depression as one of the major causes of suicide. Depression is a condition that affects the chemicals within the brain. This condition causes teens to have negative thoughts and emotions. In fact, depression can completely alter teen’s thoughts, feelings, and ultimately choices. A teen may feel as if there is no hope, and that they will never be happy again.
Depression can be caused by a mix of factors in the lives of a teen. Typically, events that are hard to deal with can cause depression, leading to suicidal thoughts. Another factor includes genetics. Some teens may be more at risk than others to depression.
Some additional factors that may lead to depression include:
- Death in the Family
- Death of a Friend/Peer
- Break ups
- Trouble in School
- Low Self Esteem
- Family History of Mental Health Issues
Is My Teen at Risk for Suicide?
There are risk factors in teens that can increase the risk of suicide. These risk factors include:
- Psychological Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, etc.) – Kids Health cites that 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death
- Alcohol or Drug Use
- Feelings of Distress, Irritability, Agitation
- Feels of Hopelessness or Worthlessness
- A Previous Suicide Attempt
- Family History of Mental Disorder (Particularly depression)
- Family History of Suicide
- Victim of Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Sexual)
- Lack of Support Network
- Poor Relationship with Parents
- Poor Relationship with P