Monday, November 15, 2010

Teen Suicide: The Signs


  • Suicide rate in young people is increasing.
  • Suicide is uncommon in children under the age of 10.
  • There are many more attempted suicides than completed suicides.
  • Between 60 - 80% of youth have sought help within the previous month before the suicide.
  • There is an increased risk if the youth has a previous history of attempted suicide.
  • Many competed suicides are well planned.
Risk Factors:
  • Problems with school or the law.
  • Break-up of romance.
  • Unexpected pregnancy.
  • A stressful family life (having parents who are depressed or are substance abusers, or a family history of suicide)
  • Loss of security…fear of authority, peers, group or gang members.
  • Stress due to new situations; college or relocating to a new community.
  • Failing in school or failing to pass an important test.
  • Seriously injuring another person or causing another person’s death (example automobile accident.)
  • Major loss of a loved one, divorce in the family, a trauma.
Warning Signs:
  • Abrupt changes in personality.
  • Giving away possessions.
  • Previous suicide attempt.
  • Use of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Change in eating pattern.
  • Significant weight change.
  • Insomnia/oversleeping.
  • Unwillingness/inability to communicate.
  • Depression.
  • Extreme or extended boredom.
  • Accident prone (carelessness).
  • Unusual sadness, loneliness, talk of wanting to die.
  • Neglect of work/appearance.
  • Rebelliousness.
  • Reckless behaviour.
  • Chronic pain, panic or anxiety


Call The Kids’ Help Phone: 
1-800-668-6868 (24 hours) 
24hr Distress Line:
1-866-661-3311 
Call 911 
Call 1-800-SUICIDE:
1-800-784-2433
"Silence Kills. Talk to your teens about suicide prevention."

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