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."

(taken from Teen Suicide Prevention)