How to Take Action to Lower Teenage Suicide Rates

Co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD

Last Updated: June 8, 2023 References

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 15–24 years old. One in every 53 high school students reported having attempted suicide that was serious enough to require medical attention. There may be 100 to 200 suicide attempts for every suicide fatality among young individuals. ^{[1]
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Research source} ^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing and improving psychiatric care for children and adolescents.
Go to source} Many people are unaware of the fact that all suicides can be prevented. ^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide prevention network operating a toll-free 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress
Go to source}

1

Create safe spaces for youth to talk about their feelings.

Creating safe spaces for suicidal people can make a huge difference. When we create safe spaces for young people to talk about their feelings without judgement, teens are encouraged to talk to you about their feelings without fear of judgement, it prevents them from bottling up their feelings. Remind young people you know that they can come to you if they need to talk.
- Try saying, "I want you to know that you can talk to me if you need someone to talk to. I'll always be here for you and I'll never judge you for anything."
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2

Be emotionally there for the teens in your life.

Check up on the young people in your life to see how they're doing. You may find out that they aren't doing so well, or maybe they are. It's hard to know until you make time to ask.

3

Pay attention to what they say.

This is an extremely important part in preventing teen suicides. Pay attention when a teen or your child says something like "nothing matters anymore," or "I wish I was dead". Phrases like these are almost always hints that someone will attempt suicide or is considering suicide. ^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Go to source}
- When a young person says something like this, do not dismiss it. Instead, ask "Hey, I heard what you said. Are you doing alright? Do you want to talk about how you feel?"
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4

Know the warning signs of suicide.

Don't brush off a teen's feelings or mention of suicide. Don't take wrist cuts or scars on a teen's arm lightly. Pay attention to even the small signs of suicide. Warning signs of suicide include: ^{[5]
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Research source} ^{[6]
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Research source} ^{[7]
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Research source} ^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide prevention network operating a toll-free 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress
Go to source} ^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Child Mind Institute
Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families
Go to source}
- Verbal suicide threats such as "I am going to kill myself," "I wish I was dead," or indirect statements like "I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up again" statements.
- Making final arrangements such as making funeral arrangements, writing a will, or giving away prized possessions or favorite items.
- An obsession with or unusual interest in death, what happens when someone dies, etc.
- A history of substance abuse
- Recent loss of a loved one
- Hopelessness
- Bullying (in person or online)
- Isolation and/or withdrawal from family and friends
- Problems sleeping
- Statements of feeling "trapped" or in unbearable pain
- Changes in eating habits (loss of appetite, eating more)

5

Identify the risk factors of teen suicide.

Some teens may be more at risk for a suicide attempt than others. While you should not dismiss any warning sign of suicide, keep an eye on teens who: ^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Have previously attempted suicide
- Abuse substances
- Have or have relatives with mental conditions
- Are LGBTQ+, especially if in unwelcoming conditions
- Have access to lethal means, such as firearms
- Are experiencing extreme stress, abuse, or bullying
- Have feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and/or hopelessness
- Are terminally or chronically ill
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6

Listen to young people's feelings.

They may do so by saying, “I don’t want to hear that kind of stuff," or "Stop being negative," for example. Many individuals are unaware that this does far more harm than benefit. Instead, once they've told you what they're angry about, you may begin by stating, "You seem upset. I love you and care for you. Would you like to talk about your feelings?" ^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists
Go to source} ^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Go to source}

Expert Q&A

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Question

If you are a parent whose child attempted suicide, how can you cope with this and help your child?

Catherine Boswell, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.

Catherine Boswell, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

Expert Answer

If your child has attempted suicide, it is important to understand that while you will most likely feel very responsible, it is not necessarily due to shortcomings in your parenting. It is initially critically important that you seek support for your child and family in order to gain a clear understanding of what you have missed. This may involve social and/or family interactions that may have been interpreted through the lens of your child’s psychic distress (depression; anxiety; mood instability, etc.). Remember to hold on to the love and compassion you have for your child, who felt that taking his/her own life was the only solution to often long-term struggles with problems and feelings. As a parent, be willing to own your part of what may have gone wrong or what you missed, and be willing to change what you can. Be discerning about who you turn to for support. Sometimes the most well-intentioned friends can be an unexpected source of judgment and not all therapists are trained and competent in this area.

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How to Take Action to Lower Teenage Suicide Rates

Steps

Create safe spaces for youth to talk about their feelings.

Be emotionally there for the teens in your life.

Pay attention to what they say.

Know the warning signs of suicide.

Identify the risk factors of teen suicide.

Listen to young people's feelings.

Expert Q&A

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