Know the Signs: Suicide Prevention in Teens

“My teen is frequently irritated or angry”. “My teen is crying a lot, and I don’t know why”. “My teen is using drugs and alcohol, and I don’t know what to do”. “My teen is isolating themselves from friends and family”.

If you’ve had any of these thoughts, you’re not alone. It can be scary watching your teen hurting or engaging in harmful behaviors. These behaviors can be warning signs that your teen is struggling with their mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anxiety and depression rates have continued to increase in youths and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in older children and teens.

There is hope! Suicide is a public health issue that is currently impacting many of our youth. Join us to learn more about the warning signs, how to support your teen, and who you can go to in an emergency.

Know the Statistics:

The rate of teens engaging in self-harm behaviors has increased by 43.3% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic rates in California.

The rate of teens that have completed suicide has increased by 15% between 2009 through 2018 in California.

A study shows that of the youths that display behavior problems, 1/3 had anxiety and 1/5 had depression.

Know the Warning Signs & Risks:

Irritability
Social Withdrawal
Substance Use
Feeling empty, trapped, hopeless or helpless
Extremely sad or anxious
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Talking/Writing/Drawing/Posting about suicide, wanting to die, no reason to live, or wanting to disappear

Know How to Support Your Teen:

What do I do when my teenager is showing the warning signs, but they won’t talk to me?

Provide an open and safe space for your teen to be able to open up and talk to you by emphasizing you are a trusted person they can go to.

Empathize with their feelings by showing them you understand and offer support by asking, “what do you need?”

Connect them with a mental health professional.

Know Where to Get Support for Your Teen:

Below is a list of free confidential phone, text, and chat lines that anyone can call if they are thinking about suicide or are worried about a loved one or friend.