Suicide Concerns

Is this your child's symptom?

• Concerns about suicide thoughts, threats, plans or attempts
• Concerns about risk for suicide

If NOT, try one of these:
• Depression
• Mental Health Problems
• Panic Attack

Suicide in the US

• Suicide attempts, threats or plans must always be taken very seriously. Thoughts or talk about killing or hurting oneself also need evaluation on a timely basis. So do comments about "no reason to live." Emergency rooms are often your best resource.
• Suicide is the second most common cause of death in teens. Motor vehicle accidents are number one.
• About 7% of teens attempt suicide.
• Suicide risk starts at age 10, upon starting middle school.
• These rates have gone up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Suicides are a mental health crisis in the US.

Risk Factors for Suicide Completion (Death)

Suicide deaths in the 15 to 24 age group are about 5,000 per year in the US. While deaths are rare, children with the following are at greatest risk:

• Specific, thought out plan for committing suicide
• Access to lethal methods, such as a loaded firearm or dangerous medications;
• Prior suicide attempt
• Family history of completed suicide
• Prior diagnosis of psychiatric illness
• Heavy use of alcohol or drugs
• Serious or chronic medical disease or disability
• Child maltreatment, especially sexual abuse
• Impulsive, risk-taking behavior
• Feeling helpless or worthless

Self-Harm or Cutting Behavior

• Self-harm is hurting the body on purpose, such as cutting or burning the skin. It is usually superficial, only injuring the skin.
• It occurs in up to 20% of teens.
• Self-harm is a way to relieve emotional pain or stress.
• Self-harm is not meant to be a suicide attempt.
• Therapy can help your teen find better ways to cope with painful feelings.