Preventing Youth Suicide
Summary
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting, significant effects on youth, families, peers, and communities. The causes of suicide among youth are complex and involve many factors. Reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors and resilience is critical.1
Knowing the warning signs is also critical. Warning signs for those at risk of suicide include: talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, seeking revenge, and being a burden on others; looking for methods and making plans such as searching online or buying a gun; increasing use of alcohol or drugs; acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly; sleeping too little or too much; withdrawal or isolation; and displaying rage and extreme mood swings.2 The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.3 Paying attention to warning signs for mental health challenges that can be associated with increased risk for suicide is also important.
Source: Youth.gov. (n.d.). Preventing youth suicide.