Facts About Teens & Suicide
What’s the problem?
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youths. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center found that almost 1 in 5 teens had thought about suicide, about 1 in 6 had made plans for suicide, and more than 1 in 12 had attempted suicide in the last year. About 8 of 10 teens who complete suicide ask for help before attempting suicide.
What are the key risk factors of suicide?
These are factors commonly found among suicidal youths (absence does not mean no risk).
| History of suicide attempts | Criminal justice problems |
| Abuse, violence, trauma, loss | Chronic illness, disability |
| Family relationship problems | White male; Latina teen |
| Depression, other mental illness | Access to firearms |
| Humiliation, shame, victimization | Low self-esteem |
| Alcohol use | Poor coping/problem-solving skills |
What are some important protective factors?
These are factors that may help deter suicidal behavior (presence does not mean no risk).
| Strong parental/family ties | Strong sense of self-worth |
| Optimism, resilience | Willingness to seek help |
| Emotional stability (not impulsive) | Religiosity, spirituality |
What are the warning signs of suicide?
In Montgomery County call 1-888-345-7414 (Children’s Crisis Support Service) or a mental health or medical provider if you encounter any of these behaviors in a young person (17 or under):
| Hopelessness, burdensomeness | Rage, anger, revenge, recklessness |
| Feeling trapped, helplessness | Increasing alcohol and/or drug use |
| Withdrawal from family, friends, activities | Anxiety, agitation, sleep problems |
| Dramatic mood changes | No reason for living |
What are the danger signs of suicide?
Immediately call 9-1-1 or 610-279-6100 (or 1-800-273-TALK if out of area) if you encounter:
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill herself or himself
- Someone looking for ways to take her or his life (i.e., a gun, pills, other lethal means)
- Someone talking, writing, or drawing about death, dying, or suicide
What can you do to help prevent suicide?
- Never agree to keep a friend’s suicidal feelings a secret.
- Don’t try to handle a friend’s crisis alone – get adult help.
- Make sure that all family members know the warning and danger signs and what to do.
- Remove firearms and unused prescription/non-prescription meds from the home.
If you or someone you know is thinking
about suicide, please call (610)279-6100