Suicide is a growing crisis for our nation’s youth. It’s the second-leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 24. In Tennessee, nearly 23% of youth have seriously considered suicide, with 13% making an attempt.
WellTuned spoke with Dr. Judith Overton, a psychiatrist and medical director at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, to find out what parents should know about teen suicide.
Suicide risk factors
Dr. Overton: Our state’s suicide rate has been declining, but Tennessee is still ranked in the top 20 for suicides of children. There is no single cause of suicide, although depression is commonly associated with it.
The risk factors for teen and adult suicides tend to fall into several categories:
Individual
- Previous suicide attempt
- History of depression
- History of mental illness
- Chronic pain or other serious illness
- Legal problems
- Job/financial problems or loss
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Substance use or abuse
- Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse or neglect at home
- Sense of hopelessness
- Autism
- Gender identity issues
Relationship
- Family history of suicide
- Bullying including social media harassment
- High-conflict relationships
- Social isolation
- Loss of relationships
Community
- Discrimination
- Community violence
- Lack of access to health care
- Suicide attempts in the community
- Stress of acculturation (adapting to a different or new culture)
- Historical trauma
Society
- Access to lethal means of suicide
- Stigma associated with seeking help for mental health concerns
- Media portrayals of suicide
The risk of suicide has also increased in recent years among youth of color and youth who identify as LGBTQIA. Suicidal thoughts have also been on the rise among female students.
Warning signs of suicidal thoughts
Dr. Overton: Parents often don’t realize their child is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings. Since you can’t read your child’s mind, you may have to watch for signs that something is wrong.
Common warning signs that a teen may be contemplating suicide include:
- Mood changes, including depression, anxiety or irritability
- Behavior changes
- Withdrawal from activities and friends
- Changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping too much or not enough
- Giving away prized possessions
- Talking about feeling hopeless, being a burden on others or having no reason to live
- Substance use (or increased substance use)
Not every person will exhibit these warning signs. It’s important for parents to also listen to their child’s teachers and friends. They should also monitor social media for red flags.
How to help
Dr. Overton: If a child or teen says anything about wanting to kill themselves, take it seriously.
If you have any concerns, reach out to your child’s health care provider. They can help identify mental health resources in your community that can help your child through their crisis.
If you’re worried that your child is in immediate danger, call or text 988, which is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a resource that’s free, confidential and available 24-7. Or you can text TALK to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Callers can even ask for a Spanish-speaking counselor or specific LGBTQIA support.
More from Dr. Overton on WellTuned
Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.