In the United States, more than 20% of teens have considered suicide. Girls, young women, and LGBTQ+ teens are the ones most at risk of attempting suicide, but any youth can struggle with mental health concerns that could lead them to consider suicide.
Some of the most important tools that parents, educators, and other adults can offer struggling young people are accessible and available resources they can turn to when in need.
What Is Youth Suicide?
Youth suicide refers to a young person, whether a child or teen, intentionally taking their own life. The youth might begin by struggling with suicidal ideation, which involves thoughts of wanting to die, before progressing to suicidal behaviors.
A number of risk factors are associated with youth suicide — mental health concerns are a crucial one. A teen who has a mental health condition like depression or anxiety is more likely to attempt suicide.
Other factors that could play a role include:
- Being a victim of bullying
- Having a family history of suicide
- Experiencing abuse
- Having attempted suicide before
- Facing stressful life events
- Experiencing social isolation
- Struggling with sexual orientation
- Having easy access to ways to attempt suicide
Facing barriers to getting help is also a concern. Some cultures discourage the process of expressing emotions, especially in boys and young men, which could lead to worsening depression and a higher likelihood of a suicide attempt. In other cases, youths may just not know who to turn to for help.
Although some signs can be subtle, adults can watch for certain clues if they suspect a child or teen is considering suicide. These include:
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Wanting to be alone
- Unnecessary risk-taking
- Loss of interest in school
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Neglecting their appearance
- Acting out
- Drug or alcohol use
- Physical complaints like fatigue, headaches, or stomach aches
- Trouble focusing
- Obsession with death
Youths who are considering suicide may even say the words out loud. They could write suicide notes or give items away because they think they won’t need them any longer.
If you notice any of these signs, encourage the child to get help. Here is where a collection of suicide resources for youth can make a huge difference.
Hotlines and Helplines
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of crisis centers that offer free support to those who are contemplating suicide. Trained crisis workers will listen and connect the youth to appropriate local mental health assistance.
The Crisis Text Line is a free texting service available 24/7 that allows people to communicate with a crisis counselor. There are bilingual options as well, making it an important addition to a collection of suicide resources for youths.
Educational Resources
Educational sites and articles can also be important suicide resources for youth. These provide people with information on what they’re going through. Understanding that they are not alone in their feelings can help tremendously.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration site offers a lot of information, including how to recognize suicidal thoughts and how to address a wide array of mental health challenges. In addition to this information, it’s also important to have suicide intervention toolkits available in schools and youth organizations.
Often, teens and children aren’t aware of why they’re having the feelings and thoughts they’re experiencing. Interactive assessments and quizzes encourage youth to understand their emotions. Then they can become more aware of when they’re heading for a crisis or when someone they know is struggling.
Counseling and Therapy Services
One of the most effective methods of offering help to children and teens is to make school counseling sessions available. These sessions allow young people to speak in a safe space about the challenges they’re dealing with.
Community mental health centers also play an integral role because they’re available when school services might not be. It is important to make youths aware of the options they have in their communities.
One of the newest service types available is telehealth, which allows people to access the care they need through the phone or online. Youths can take full advantage of these services, which are convenient and versatile.
Support for Family and Friends
Family and friends of people who have attempted suicide — or those with a loved one who died by suicide — should turn to support services for help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has information and guidance for people who are grieving.
Recognizing the signs of a crisis is important — there are lots of online suicide resources for youth that can help, including those offered by the Child Mind Institute and the National Institutes of Mental Health.
For people who have been affected by suicide, the Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors has compiled resources and information about support groups. There are national, international, and virtual options.
Prevention and Intervention Programs
Some of the most effective intervention programs are school-based. Options like Rachel’s Challenge encourage empathy and understanding among students, allowing a better school and community environment to flourish so that those who are struggling don’t hesitate to get help.
These programs make it possible for students to recognize when their peers are struggling, as well. They are valuable options for those considering suicide resources for youth.
Promoting Self-Care and Coping Strategies
Youths who can identify when they’re struggling and who have the necessary tools to help themselves cope can build resilience. Mindfulness techniques and meditation are especially helpful for addressing difficult emotions. The Stanford Health Library offers information on these suicide resources for youths.
Turning to creative outlets is an excellent way of addressing emotions and dealing with stress. The arts, including visual and performing arts, allow for self-expression, as do creative writing and journaling.
Physical exercise is also beneficial for mental health. It helps reduce anxiety and depression while boosting mood. Encouraging youths to turn to physical activities, especially outdoors, can make a difference.
Offering Help With Rachel’s Challenge
Youths who are considering suicide need to have access to resources that can support them through a crisis. From helplines to school-based support, suicide resources for youths can help prevent a tragedy.
At Rachel’s Challenge, we offer school- and community-based programs that strive to provide youths with the help they need while also showing them how to build a more supportive environment around them. Book an event today.
