LetÔÇÖs Talk About Suicide
More than 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021 making it a leading cause of death in the US. There was an instance of suicide every 11 minutes. Ninety percent of those who die by suicide in the US have a diagnosed mental disorder, usually a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. In 2021, rates of suicide were highest among individual ages 24-34, 75-84, and over 85. Men made up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of the suicides. People who experienced discrimination, racism, poverty, and violence were more likely to die by suicide.  Firearms were the leading method of suicide. There were nearly twice as many deaths by suicide than by homicide. Yet death by suicide is preventable.
What can I do if someone I know is considering suicide?
If someone you know is talking about suicide, do not ignore this behavior. If the person is hinting that suicide is a possibility, donÔÇÖt be afraid to come out and ask something like, ÔÇ£Are you considering hurting yourself or even taking your own life?ÔÇØ Asking about suicide will not make it more likely to happen. Your friend or family member will probably be relieved that you asked.┬á When someone you care about talks about suicide, do not consider it just attention-seeking behavior, even if it is from a teenager who often does look for attention.┬á You can help by being willing to listen and by showing that you care. DonÔÇÖt act shocked or judge the person in any way. Take action to remove hazards like guns or stockpiled medicines. ┬áAnd most importantly, get help. Work together with your loved one to reach out to a counselor/therapist, a family physician, or a community mental health agency. Another option is to call 988, the national suicide hotline. This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you believe your friend or family member is in imminent danger of acting on suicidal thoughts, you should call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation.
Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html Goldsmith, S.K. (2002). Reducing suicide: a national imperative. National Academies Press.
How do I know if my child or teen is depressed?
While most parents realize that sadness is a sign of depression in children and teens, many are surprised to know that persistent irritability and anger are frequent symptoms of depression in this group. While it is normal for children and adolescents to occasionally exhibit all of these behaviors, parents should show concern if symptoms last for more than a few weeks. Other symptoms of depression in children and teens include:
- Not being interested in things they used to enjoy
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
- Declining school performance
- Having stomachaches and headaches
- Self-injurious, self-destructive, and reckless behavior
- Isolation and loneliness
- Drug and alcohol use
Is depression a dangerous illness for children and adolescents?
Yes. Depression is dangerous because it is major risk factor for suicide in teens. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents in the US.
Why is my child or teen depressed?
Often genetics plays a part in the development of depression. This means that depression can run in families. If a parent is depressed, or perhaps self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, there is a greater chance that their child will be depressed. Other things that increase the risk of depression in children and teens include:
- Difficulties at home, including instability in caretakers, fighting, and domestic violence
- Bullying
- Social exclusion
- Spending lots of time on social media
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Trauma
- Difficult events such as separation of parents, loss of an important relationship, problems at school
- A combination of things such a child who is genetically predisposed to depression who is experiencing the death of a loving grandparent or the loss of an important friend at school
What should I do if I think my child or teen is depressed?
Talking to your child is the first course of action. This may not be an easy task. Younger children may find it difficult to describe how they are feeling. Adolescents may be reluctant to talk because they fear adults will not understand or will judge them. If your child does not want to talk, tell them that you care and revisit the issue at another time until they are ready to tell you whatÔÇÖs bothering them. It is important to keep the lines of communication open. Another important step is to talk to your childÔÇÖs pediatrician. Your doctor can rule out any physical reasons for your childÔÇÖs behavior, evaluate the child for depression, and recommend treatment. Your childÔÇÖs teachers and school counselor are also good resources. They may be able to offer a wider perspective on your childÔÇÖs behavior, especially with regard to bullying and academic performance. School counselors can advocate for your child at school and meet with them regularly. Other things you can do to help your child manage depression include:
- Dealing with issues at home that are creating problems
- Helping your child manage stress in their lives
- Encouraging your child to participate in activities that bring them satisfaction and joy
- Encouraging a healthy life style, especially exercise
Should I seek professional treatment for my depressed child?
Seek professional help if your doctor or school counselor recommends it, if your child has thoughts of suicide, if they are failing to function at home or at school, or if they are missing out on life due to mental health issues. Remember that psychotherapy is effective, especially if supported by parents and family. Psychotherapy can help your child get to know himself, learn to express himself, improve relationships, and manage behavior, emotions, and negative thinking. Sometimes treatment for children means making changes in how the family operates as a whole.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Leading causes of death reports 1981-2020. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
Seligman M.E. The effectiveness of psychotherapy. The Consumer Reports study. Am Psychol. 1995 Dec;50(12):965-74. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.50.12.965. PMID: 8561380 Suicide in children and teens. American Academy of Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatry https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
Suicide in children and teens. American Academy of Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatry https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
