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Are you concerned your teen is at risk of trying to kill themselves? There are some things like social background, family history, situation and medical concerns that can mean some teens are more likely to commit suicide. You can turn to support groups, professionals, a suicide prevention charity and such for help if you need to know what to look for and how to respond, but here is an overview for any parent looking for information. Teen suicide risk factors It is the case that teens already face a difficult period of their life where hormones are raging, physical changes happening, stress from school and such can be overwhelming and peer pressure is real. It does not mean they are suicidal. Professionals can help assess teens with something like a mental health toolkit. There are some medical and health risk factors and life risk factors that can play a role. They include; ? Abusing substances like drugs and alcohol ? A difficult time with puberty ? Dealing with a long-term illness ? Having mental health issues such as bipolar, anxiety, depression or ODD ? Having someone in the family or a friend has committed suicide or tried to ? Having a history themselves of previous suicide attempts ? A family history of mood disorders or self-harming ? Conflict with family, friends or peers at school ? Someone has died ? Being abused, mentally, physically or sexually ? Being bullied or exposed to violence ? Being gender diverse ? Having access to guns or medicines that would make it easier to kill themselves Some of the most common warning signs Some of the warning signs to look for when you might need the support of a suicide prevention charity are; ? A change in usual routines like not eating properly or overeating, or not sleeping well or sleeping too much ? Having more mood swings than is normal for your teenager ? Writing about suicide or talking about it, making statements that they would not be anyone’s problem for much longer ? Doing things that are dangerous to your safety like drinking and driving ? Indulging in more alcohol and drugs ? Being hopeless about things, feeling helpless and having feelings of being trapped ? Handing out their things to others for no logical reason ? Changes in their personality ? Being agitated or anxious about things What to do if you are still concerned about your teen If you have read this is some of it feels too close to home then you need to take action. If you do not think your child is in danger right now then talk to them directly. Use the word suicide but be able to talk and listen rather than be confrontational. Talking will never be the reason they choose to hurt themselves. You can also refer to a mental health toolkit for some help in how to approach them. Do not dismiss what they tell you. Keep reassuring them and offering them your support and love. Then you can seek medical help. If the risk is more urgent then there are emergency lines you can call for help, 988 is the Suicide and crisis lifeline, or you can call 911, or take them in yourselves to the emergency room.
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