Suicides are rare in childhood, but rates of suicidal behaviors, thoughts (ideation), and suicide deaths increase during the teen years. Since most teens are physically healthy, it is alarming that the third leading cause of death in adolescents is suicide. Yet, while this statistic is distressing, teen suicide is still relatively rare. Teen death by accidents and homicides ranks ahead of suicide deaths.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2004, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S.,accounting for 32,439 deaths. Providing for some parameters for comparisons, in children ages ten to fourteen, the rate is 1.3 suicides per 100,000; adolescents, ages fifteen to nineteen, 8.2 suicides per 100,000, and ages twenty to twenty-four, 12.5 suicides per 100,000. Perhaps the jump in suicide from children to preteens and teens gives the impression of out-of-control teens. In reality, teen rates are less than in young adults and older-aged persons, in fact, the elderly (age 65 and older) have the highest rates of suicide.
As one might suspect with teens, there are some gender distinctions. Female teens are more likely to attempt suicide, while teen males are likely to commit suicide. Males tend to use more lethal methods (guns), whereas females are more likely to use pills, or cutting self (wrists).
Warning signs may include quick changes in mood and behaviors, changes in eating and sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities that previously brought the teen pleasure, withdrawal from family and friends, a humiliating event, poor self-esteem, feeling of guilt and helplessness, depression, inability to concentrate, talk of suicide and giving away prized possessions. Important to note: teens who are homosexual and those with sexual identity confusion may be at a much higher risk for suicide.
In 2009, I conducted an anonymous written questionnaire study of 178 high school students, where the students were asked if they ever attempted or had serious thoughts of suicide. Of the total sample, 17% of males and 14% of females responded "yes." As the students progressed in age, freshmen to seniors, the percentage of suicidal gestures and thoughts increased. My data was consistent with other research findings.
What are some misconceptions or myths about teen suicide?
1. Ignore teen suicide threats.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2004, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S.,accounting for 32,439 deaths. Providing for some parameters for comparisons, in children ages ten to fourteen, the rate is 1.3 suicides per 100,000; adolescents, ages fifteen to nineteen, 8.2 suicides per 100,000, and ages twenty to twenty-four, 12.5 suicides per 100,000. Perhaps the jump in suicide from children to preteens and teens gives the impression of out-of-control teens. In reality, teen rates are less than in young adults and older-aged persons, in fact, the elderly (age 65 and older) have the highest rates of suicide.
As one might suspect with teens, there are some gender distinctions. Female teens are more likely to attempt suicide, while teen males are likely to commit suicide. Males tend to use more lethal methods (guns), whereas females are more likely to use pills, or cutting self (wrists).
Warning signs may include quick changes in mood and behaviors, changes in eating and sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities that previously brought the teen pleasure, withdrawal from family and friends, a humiliating event, poor self-esteem, feeling of guilt and helplessness, depression, inability to concentrate, talk of suicide and giving away prized possessions. Important to note: teens who are homosexual and those with sexual identity confusion may be at a much higher risk for suicide.
In 2009, I conducted an anonymous written questionnaire study of 178 high school students, where the students were asked if they ever attempted or had serious thoughts of suicide. Of the total sample, 17% of males and 14% of females responded "yes." As the students progressed in age, freshmen to seniors, the percentage of suicidal gestures and thoughts increased. My data was consistent with other research findings.
What are some misconceptions or myths about teen suicide?
1. Ignore teen suicide threats.
They are just trying to get attention. If you don't pay attention, they will stop making the threats. Besides, any discussion of suicide with them might give them ideas.
Always talk to the teen. Communicating with them is the key in attempting to understand what their thinking is about. Always take suicide threats seriously!
2. Teens are just moody all the time, besides depression in teens is rare.
It has been estimated that 10% of teens experience depression. It is very important that parents, teachers and other family members learn to distinguish between " teen moodiness" and clinical depression. Depression of the teen is an often found factor in teen suicide. Male teens when depressed tend to act-out their depression by defying authority, whereas, female depressed teens, tend to withdraw.
3. Depressed youngsters are loners.
Depression and suicidal thoughts can affect popular kids as well. Depression can occur to any teen, regardless of how many friends they have. The only commonality is that depressed kids feel alone.
4. Some suicide attempts are harmless.
Any violence toward oneself is serious and should be give critical attention. Counseling and medical treatment should strongly be considered. The health provider should be comfortable and experienced working with adolescents.
5. Teens who are depressed should not be given antidepressants.
While there are risks with medication for a teen, only a small percent are negatively affected. Antidepressants should not be ruled out and both the doctor and parents should closely monitor the teen's behavior.
In conclusion, suicide in teens is a complex issue. One should be reminded that factors that put a teen at risk of suicide are: mental illness, biochemical imbalances, troubled and chaotic family structures, substance abuse and addiction, life stressors(divorce, sexual identity confusion, loss of a family member) and prior suicide attempts.
Retired psychologist and academician with thirty-five years of experience working with children, teens, and their families. Currently, author of two nonfiction books written for the layperson; A Guide for Effective Psychotherapy (a consumer's guide for understanding mental health services) and Give Teens a Break! (a positive look at teens). My passion remains the same, the growth and mental welfare of our children. Please visit my website: http://www.johnmorella.com
By John R. Morella, Ph.D.
Always talk to the teen. Communicating with them is the key in attempting to understand what their thinking is about. Always take suicide threats seriously!
2. Teens are just moody all the time, besides depression in teens is rare.
It has been estimated that 10% of teens experience depression. It is very important that parents, teachers and other family members learn to distinguish between " teen moodiness" and clinical depression. Depression of the teen is an often found factor in teen suicide. Male teens when depressed tend to act-out their depression by defying authority, whereas, female depressed teens, tend to withdraw.
3. Depressed youngsters are loners.
Depression and suicidal thoughts can affect popular kids as well. Depression can occur to any teen, regardless of how many friends they have. The only commonality is that depressed kids feel alone.
4. Some suicide attempts are harmless.
Any violence toward oneself is serious and should be give critical attention. Counseling and medical treatment should strongly be considered. The health provider should be comfortable and experienced working with adolescents.
5. Teens who are depressed should not be given antidepressants.
While there are risks with medication for a teen, only a small percent are negatively affected. Antidepressants should not be ruled out and both the doctor and parents should closely monitor the teen's behavior.
In conclusion, suicide in teens is a complex issue. One should be reminded that factors that put a teen at risk of suicide are: mental illness, biochemical imbalances, troubled and chaotic family structures, substance abuse and addiction, life stressors(divorce, sexual identity confusion, loss of a family member) and prior suicide attempts.
Retired psychologist and academician with thirty-five years of experience working with children, teens, and their families. Currently, author of two nonfiction books written for the layperson; A Guide for Effective Psychotherapy (a consumer's guide for understanding mental health services) and Give Teens a Break! (a positive look at teens). My passion remains the same, the growth and mental welfare of our children. Please visit my website: http://www.johnmorella.com
By John R. Morella, Ph.D.
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