On average, 5,400 children in grades 7-12 attempt suicide every day in the United States. In fact, children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24 account for 15% of all suicides in the nation. Understanding the four key causes of teen suicide may help reduce teen suicide numbers and get children the help they need.
1. Mental Health Factors
The CDC reports that both depression and anxiety among children and teens are on the rise. Over 15% of youths between the ages of 12 and 17 have experienced at least one major depressive episode, and approximately 32% of adolescents have experienced some type of anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety can present differently in young people than they do in adults. Warning signs of teen depression include:
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Feeling frustrated, angry, irritable
- Crying for no apparent reason
- A fixation of failures
- Self-criticism
- Trouble focusing
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide are also a common indicator of teen depression. Genetics and family history can contribute to a teen’s development of depression.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, as well as certain phobias. These disorders can contribute to suicidal thoughts. In fact, anxiety disorders are independently associated with suicide attempts.
Symptoms of anxiety in teens include:
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Change in eating habits
- Frequent crying
- Self-doubt
- Nightmares
- Excessive worry
- Outbursts
- Self-isolating
- Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical complaints that don’t have a medical reason
If your teen exhibits signs of either depression or anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help.
2. Environmental Influences
Environment can refer to a teen’s home, community, or school. Teens who experience bullying in any of these environments may have an increased risk of suicide and other negative psychological effects. Environmental causes of teen suicide often co-occur with mental health concerns, including substance abuse.
Additionally, cyberbullying can be even more harmful to a child’s mental well-being than traditional types of bullying and lead to more suicidal ideation more often.
Family dynamics also play a vital role in teen mental health. While this includes elements like how supportive parental relationships are and how open communication is within a family, having a family history of mental health concerns can also have an impact. Children who lose a parent to suicide are also at greater risk of taking their own lives.
3. Societal Pressures
Teens and adolescents have always faced societal pressures. It can be a challenge for teens to balance their academic and personal lives, and the pressure to fit in, wear the right clothes, and meet the expectations of others has been amplified with the widespread use of social media.
While responsible use of social media offers many benefits, it also increases the amount of pressure young people feel to be accepted. These societal standards can impact a teen’s self-esteem greatly.
Marginalized children and children from vulnerable backgrounds may also have a more difficult time coping with societal pressure. Political, social, and cultural influences may not be direct causes of teen suicide, but they can be contributing factors for young people who do not feel safe or supported within their communities.
4. Substance Abuse
Addressing addiction in young people is critical, as 75% of all suicides involve at least one substance, and 69% involve alcohol. It is difficult to determine whether substance abuse leads to suicide or if the other causes of teen suicide lead to substance abuse. For example, it’s estimated that around 8% of people with a mental illness are also living with a substance use disorder.
Like adults, young people may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate the symptoms of a mental illness. Some substances bring temporary relief to feelings of depression or anxiety, but in the long run, substance use exacerbates symptoms.
Abusing substances can lead to isolation, poor self-esteem, and changes in brain chemistry that increase the risk of suicide.
Warning Signs and Identification
It’s not always easy to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts in teens. Paying close attention to behavioral changes, along with verbal cues and expressions, can help.
Some of the warning signs of suicide include:
- A change in normal routine
- Risky behaviors
- Expressing that they feel trapped or hopeless
- Extreme sadness
- Self-isolating
- Angry outbursts
- Extreme mood swings
- Giving away their personal belongings
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in eating habits
- Talking about suicide or fixating on issues related to death
Parents, teachers, and friends can be instrumental in providing support for teens struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you suspect a teen is suicidal, talk to them immediately. Have an open conversation about their state of mind.
Open communication and encouraging conversations about mental health can go a long way in preventing the tragedy of suicide. If you believe a young person is in immediate danger of hurting themselves, call 911 or a suicide hotline. In the U.S., you can text or call 988 to reach the national crisis lifeline.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
Intervention before a situation reaches crisis levels is ideal. Programs aimed at teaching mental health awareness and reducing stigma encourage young people to seek out the help they need. Educational programs also help to create a more supportive home or school environment.
Teens themselves are aware of the impact of suicide on their generation. Many want to help but don’t know how.
Educating young people on issues of mental health is only part of the solution. Improving awareness of and access to mental health resources is also necessary. Parents and educators can organize events that teach suicide prevention strategies in their communities.
You Can Help Prevent Teen Suicide
The causes of teen suicide are complex. Mental health concerns, environmental factors, societal pressures, and substance abuse can all contribute to a teen’s risk of suicide.
Rachel’s Challenge offers programs and support with a mission to create safer schools and communities and prevent youth suicides. Contact us to book an event, or donate to take action today.
