Suicide is the second leading cause of death in teens in the United States. According to nami.org, 11 percent of young adults have reported having suicidal thoughts and 1-2 percent have attempted it in the previous year.
Oftentimes, teens show warning signs when suicidal thoughts are occurring. Feelings of stress, the pressure to succeed, loss, and disappointment are some of the reasons associated with teens attempted suicide.
“The signs to recognize include sadness, withdrawing from social activities, crying a lot, wanting to be alone more often, giving away items that mean a lot to them, saying goodbye to friends and family. Grades may also suffer,” Mental Health Contractor for Mental Health and Addiction Tamara Barnett said.
There are many reasons in the teens that can lead to having suicidal thoughts, like feeling like a burden in relationships and friend groups. Depression can also be a reason as to why they are having suicidal thoughts and aren’t feeling like themselves.
“From my experience with working with teens, most common reasons teens have suicidal thoughts are when there are troubles in their friendships and/or relationships, feeling alone, feeling angry, or feeling self doubt. Usually teens will display symptoms related to depression when suicidal thoughts are present,” Barnett said.
Now that society largely revolves around social media and the internet, this also plays a big part in suicidal thoughts. Social media can lead to risky behaviors, poor body image, and even cyberbullying. These can all cause teens to feel less than or unworthy. Exposure to social media content that normalizes illegal drugs can also have serious effects on teens, especially when their brains and bodies are not fully developed.
“Social media allows for cyber bullying. It also allows images and information that is posted, to be spread fast for others to see. This leads to low self esteem issues which then leads to suicide,” Barnett said.
Having a support system is always key for a developing young adult. Also, being involved in different extracurricular activities always gives someone a friend with the same interests. It's good to always have a staff member or teacher to go to, for homework, personal reasons, someone to talk to or even to have a trusted adult that will protect and keep students safe.
“Not having a support system creates feelings of hopelessness and/or loneliness. Teens begin to receive incorrect information, and often make poor decisions. Teenagers could talk to school teachers and counselors, reach out to community resources, or talk to other family members,” Barnett said.
Parents may have concerns about their child and whether they are feeling depressed and or suicidal. There are different resources they can contact in order to get the best help and support for their child.
"If a parent notices warning signs that their teen is having suicidal thoughts, they could contact mental health resources to have their teen talk to a therapist or see a psychiatrist. Parents could also take their teen to a psychiatric hospital to have a mental health assessment completed to see if an acute stay would be necessary,” Barnett said.
Facilities near Indianapolis are Suicidal Ideation Treatment Hospital, and Northeastern Center Inc. Steuben County Satellite.
The hotline to call for someone struggling with suicidal thoughts and needing help is 988. If you or anyone you may know needs assistance, please find the nearest help or contact the hotline.