Early Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

We’ve all heard the saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  This is especially true with teen suicide.  Once a teen is suicidal  the problem is too far in its development.  There is a better way to identify and prevent teen suicide. The key here is early diagnosis, before the problem is life threatening.
Screening for depression and other mental illnesses– There are a number of pre-emptive screens available to identify depression in teens.  In a recent case study 90 percent of suicidal teens showed characteristics of depression many years before becoming suicidal.  Seeking treatment for depression is much easier today as it was in the past.  It is also gaining acceptance as a serious mental illness.  In addition to depression  there are other mental illnesses that have a higher likelyhood of suicide.  Work with a qualified therapist or counselor to discuss your child’s risk and mental illness.

Drinking while down.   Alcohol is a depressant.  It reduces oxygen to the brain and brings the whole body into a relaxed intoxicated state.  As a drug alcohols function is to be a downer.  When coupled with depression the results can be devastating.  Depression and drinking feed off one another and the problems gets worse and worse.  Talking openly with your teen about issues and behaviors can give you the information you need to seek help.  If you have a suspicion that your teen is drinking while down (depressed) seek help immediately.  Youth that participate in this behavior are in a extremely high risk group.

Social Withdrawl.  If your teen starts to spend more time alone as opposed to social activities with long time friends it may be a warning sign.  Many teens that attempt suicide try to isolate themselves before making that attempt.  If your teen starts to break ties and longtime friendships without seeking new ones try talking with them about what is going on in their life.   Sometimes there are good reasons for the change and other times there are not.   As a parent you can make the call on whether the change is reasonable or not.

Suffering with a major loss.  A happy teen can quickly change when catastrophe strikes.  Everyone reacts to adversity differently.  The death of a loved one who is close to your child, a divorce, and being rejected can all trigger suicide in some people.   Talking about suicide and the feelings of everyone involved can provide valuable information to you as a parent.  When you talk with your teen try to be reassuring that they can trust you.  If they express dark or disturbing thought let them know that you appreciate them sharing these things with you.  Grief counseling might be a good idea early on if you know your teen struggles with depression or has exhibited any other warning signs in the past.

Sudden change in behavior.  Watch for signs of dramatic change in your child.  While this might be a warning sign of imminent suicide it might present itself early enough to provide great help to parents.  If your teen is usually a good student and suddenly stops caring about grades this might be a sign.  Other warning signs might include a teen changing from being careful to being reckless.   Car accidents with kids with perfect driving records and other events might provide clues into their intentions.
If you suspect suicide talk about it.  If your teen is not suicidal they will not become suicidal.  There is virtually no risk in bringing up the subject if done carefully and with respect.