Teens and Suicide

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Girls think about suicide twice as often as boys.  Girls tend to attempt suicide by overdosing or cutting.  Boys die by suicide four times as often, as they attempt suicide by hanging, firearms, or jumping from heights. 

Factors that increase the risk of teen suicide:
•a psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use (in fact, approximately 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death)

•feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation
•feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression (a teen, for example, who experiences repeated failures at school, who is overwhelmed by violence at home, or who is isolated from peers is likely to experience such feelings)
•a previous suicide attempt
•a family history of depression or suicide (depressive illnesses may have a genetic component, so some teens may be predisposed to suffer major depression)
•physical or sexual abuse
•lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation
•dealing with homosexuality in an unsupportive family or community or hostile school environment

A teen who is thinking about suicide might:

•talk about suicide or death in general
•talk about "going away"
•talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
•pull away from friends or family
•lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities
•have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
•experience changes in eating or sleeping habits
•self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example)
(http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html#)

Maine Crisis Hotline:
1-888-568-1112
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)