Teen Suicide

A general overview of signs and symptoms, prevention and intervention options, and community resources.

Common Terms

Suicidal Ideation – Thoughts of suicide, preoccupation with death, desire to end one’s own life.

Suicidal Behavior – Any act focused on intentionally causing one’s own death.

Suicide Attempt – An unsuccessful act focused on causing one’s own death.

Prevalence

Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for 15 – 24 year olds.

Suicide is the FOURTH leading cause of death for10 – 14 year olds.

* CDC

Typically 8 to 25 attempts prior to a completed suicide.

Prevalence

Females are more likely to attempt suicide than males.

Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females.

Firearms are used in over ½ of all youth suicides. 75% of people who commit suicide suffered from

depression.

Risk Factors Diagnosed mental illness (i.e.

anxiety, depression) Impulsive Previous suicide attempt Family violence (physical,

emotional, sexual) Family history of suicide Legal trouble Low self worth Parental unemployment Financial problems in the home Perfectionistic tendencies

Substance abuse Significant life stressors

(parental divorce, death) Exposure to suicidal behavior

of others Firearm in the home School failure Rejection by friends or peers Lack of communication

w/parents. Isolation from family and

friends Loss of relationship

Signs and Symptoms Preoccupation w/death and dying

(“I wonder who would even come to my funeral…”)

Reckless behavior/risk taking Loss of interest in school Apathetic and neglectful of

appearance Loss of interest in usual activities Increased physical complaints

associated w/emotional distress (stomach aches, headaches)

Withdrawing from others Change in eating and sleeping habits Dramatic changes in personality or

behavior. Bizarre thoughts

Substance abuse Disruptive, attention seeking behaviors Runaway Frequently talks about death (even

jokingly) Expresses belief that no one cares

about him/her. Gives or throws away sentimental

possessions. Glamorization or romanticizing of

suicide, suicide pacts Lack of response to praise Suddenly cheerful after period of

depression. Marked decline in school performance.

Prevention and Intervention Options

Counseling- individual and/or family therapy with license therapist.

Residential Treatment- 24 hour supervision, counseling, medication management. (Focus on stabilization and safety)

Medication- typically in conjunction w/therapy.

What to do if you suspect at school…

Notify counselor and administrator immediately. Do not leave the student unsupervised at any time.

Counselor will assess student using clinical interview and informal assessment tool

Counselor will utilize the Denton ISD flowchart and make arrangements accordingly.

Once a teacher makes the referral, the responsibility shifts to counselors and administrators. (Please make referral in a timely a manner)

Prevention and Intervention Resources

Denton County MHMR crisis line: 940-381-5000 or 1-800-762-0157

University Behavioral Health (UBH)(940)320-8100 or 1-888-320-8101

911 National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-SUICIDE (2433)

or 1800-273-TALK (8255) Online support groups (TeenHelp.org,

yellowribbon.org, lifeline-gallery.org)

References

Center for Disease Control YellowRibbon.org University of Texas Medical Branch Teensuicidestatistics.com The Health Collaborative (Harris Methodist)