Childhood and the teen years are challenging under the best of circumstances. Additional stressors (family problems, bullying, trauma, sexual or gender identity issues, etc.), along with depression and anxiety, could result in thoughts of suicide or even a suicide attempt – and this is not at all rare. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among children and adolescents. It’s important for all parents, teachers, caregivers, etc. to be aware of the facts, the warning signs/risk factors and how to help.
In the article below, Dr. Aradhana “Bela” Sood, child and adolescent psychologist at our Virginia Treatment Center for Children, expands upon suicide prevention information provided by the VTCC to highlight what every parent and caregiver needs to know about this important topic.
Every child is unique and may display different warning signs, but be alert for dramatic changes in behavior. Here are the most common indicators for suicide among young people:
Youth suicides in one’s community or in the news increase the risk of copycat behavior and are considered more of a risk factor if a child has underlying sadness/depression or has previously contemplated suicide. Previous suicide attempts and having experienced a significant loss are also risk factors for suicide.
Sometimes antidepressants, the very agents used to treat depression, could make the depressed person energized enough to act upon suicidal thoughts. Careful evaluation of whether an individual had experienced suicidal thoughts before starting antidepressants is important. Parents and caregivers need to be aware that “activation” can occur so that they are watching for this and know what might be going on in the child’s body and mind. The child or teen should also be aware of these potential effects so they can monitor what might be going in on their own body and mind. Consultation with the doctor when this energized, activated feeling appears is recommended.
Also, a list of all medications a child is taking should be always shared with any doctor a child sees as many medications may contribute to depression.
An estimated 86 percent of parents whose children attempted suicide did not know that their child was thinking of suicide. If you are at all concerned about a child or friend:
The most common ways children and adolescents attempt suicide are:
Make your home safer by taking the following precautions:
There is help available for children and who are experiencing mental health issues and their families. Resources specifically related to suicide prevention include:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free and confidential):
988 three-digit dialing code to connect with a trained counselor
800-273-TALK (8255)
800-799-4TTY (hearing and speech impaired)
Online emotional support: Lifeline Crisis Chat
Support through instant messaging: IMALIVE Online Crisis Network
Hotline for teens by teens: 877-YOUTHLINE (968-8454)
Hotline for LGBT and questioning youth: 866-488-7386 trevorproject.org
Suicide hotline: 800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Virginia Treatment Center for Children is Virginia’s premier child mental health service. VTCC offers clinical care for children ages 3 to 17; conducts research; provides a Children’s Mental Health Resource Center; and educates mental health and health care professionals, as well as the community as a whole, about children’s mental health. VTCC has a long history of successfully caring for children with a wide array of behavioral problems such as anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, depression, personality and mood disorders, trauma, and sexual abuse.