While no single cause has been identified, suicide is often preceded by depression that is undiagnosed or untreated. Most youth show some warning signs or behavior changes in advance. Families and their doctors can work together to identify if a child or teen is struggling with depression, anxiety or substance use, all of which increase the risk of suicide.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuicide is complex, but often preventable,\u201d said Janet Lee, MD, FAAP. \u201cWhen a person talks about killing themselves or feeling hopeless or trapped, it should always be taken seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to ask your child or teen to talk about their mental health<\/a> or if they\u2019re contemplating suicide. Asking directly is the best way to know what your child is thinking. Studies show that it is safe to ask about suicide risk and that asking the question will not put the idea into their head. Note that your child may initially turn away or be silent, but actions may speak louder than words. Watch for major changes in your child\u2019s sleep patterns, appetite and social activities. Self-isolation, especially for kids who usually enjoy hanging out with friends or participating in activities, can signal serious difficulties.<\/p>\n \u201cYour goal should be to create a safe space where your child can trust you to listen and express concern without judgment or blame,\u201d Dr. Lee said.<\/p>\n If your child says something like \u201cI want to die\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t care anymore,\u201d some suggested responses are:<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cI\u2019m sorry you are feeling this way\u2014can you share a bit more?\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cIt sounds like you\u2019re in tremendous pain and you can\u2019t see a way out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cMaybe you\u2019re wondering how life got this complicated and difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cRight now, you\u2019re not sure of the answers to the problems you\u2019re facing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cYou must really, really be hurting inside to consider ending your life.\u201d<\/p>\n Common causes of stress that increase the risk of suicide include major life-changing events, including the loss of a loved one to death, divorce, deployment or incarceration. Bullying, discrimination, racism and stigma surrounding mental heath or suicide can also increase risks<\/a>. Children who have witnessed or are suffering violence or domestic abuse, engage in self-harming behavior or experienced a suicide in their school or friend group are also at higher risk of suicide.<\/p>\n Research has shown there are protective factors that help reduce the risk of suicide, including ready access to health care. Maintaining close connections to family, friends and one\u2019s community is also important.<\/p>\n Parents and guardians should limit access to lethal means, such as removing firearms and locking up medications or other potential poisons or weapons in the home. Half of youth suicides occur with firearms\u2014and suicide attempts with firearms are almost always fatal. Teens and adolescents who attempt suicide with a firearm almost always use a gun<\/a> found in their house, studies find.<\/p>\n \u201cSuicide is often impulsive and a moment of crisis can escalate quickly,\u201d Dr. Lee said. \u201cIf your child is considering suicide, call or text 988<\/a> or chat on 988lifeline.org<\/a> right away. The Lifeline provides 24\/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.\u201d<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/images\/imgupload\/ae1574b8c8c7d35428fdbe94a1c5a394.jpg\")