Before reading this article, I would like to provide a trigger warning when discussing the topic of suicide.
The month of September is known to be a time in the year marking the end of summer to transition to the beginning of autumn. It’s a month of change that symbolizes transition, harvest, and new beginnings. However, not many may know that September is also suicide awareness month. This is important to note when taking a closer look at suicide rates among teens today.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 727,000 individuals die by suicide and many more attempt. Suicide is a tragedy that can have long-lasting effects on families, communities, and countries. It’s something that happens throughout life and was determined to be the third leading cause of death for 15-29 year olds globally in 2021 (2025, p. 1). This is crucial to understand when beginning to unpack the severity of a topic such as suicide. It’s alarming to think of the number of individuals affected by suicide when reflecting on statistics alone. More attention needs to be paid to this important mental health issue that is more apparent than many individuals realize. So, it’s imperative to focus on suicide prevention for teens to a greater degree.
Such a specific demographic is important to highlight when understanding what can cause an increase in the likelihood of suicide occurring. By this, it’s been reported that shifts pertaining to sudden changes in family/homelife or friendships, stress from social media, problems in school, and other losses can lead to suicide. These changes can be present given how teenage years can be stressful and are filled with great change regarding body changes, along with shifts in one’s thoughts and feelings. When combining these apparent changes, it can be stressful for teens to make sense of their thoughts or problem-solving skills. Some teens can also feel a sense of embarrassment to overcome these problems, leading to suicide being seen as a potential solution (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024, pp. 2-3). This specific demographic can struggle to readily process their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner, which can lead to suicide being a focus.
Such feelings of stress or embarrassment are important to understand when noting specific risk factors and warning signs that correlate to the likelihood of dying by suicide among teens. Some risk factors include impulsive behaviors, family history of suicide, previous suicide attempts, exposure to suicidal behavior/media, etc. These risk factors mentioned are just a few that can affect one over time, and aren’t exhaustive. One can be at a higher risk for suicide depending on age, gender, cultural, and social factors/influences that can change over time (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024, p. 2). Information of nature is important to note when starting to understand that the likelihood of one being affected by suicide can differ from person to person. Risk factors can be seen as strong cues or indicators to be conscious of when focusing on teens, who can experience great change in this period of life.
Meanwhile, it’s equally important to be aware of the warning signs that teens may resort to. Such signs of suicide or symptoms of depression include social withdrawal, alcohol/drug use, obsession with death, changes in eating and sleeping habits, etc. There can also be warning signs along the lines of making plans or efforts towards dying by suicide. For example, one saying, “I won’t be a problem much longer,” can indicate potential for suicide. Verbiage of this nature, along with the giving away of valuable items or writing suicide notes, can be common (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024, pp. 2-3). These warning signs mentioned thus far should be highlighted when taking the time to understand specific actions or language common for teens who could or have died by suicide. If someone, such as parents, is aware of these signs, then there is potential to aid teens in getting the help they need to get into a healthier mindset or stage of life. Parents or guardians can be proactive in ensuring their children don’t feel alone when dealing with thoughts of suicide.
More specifically, it’s important for parents to understand the risk factors and warning signs mentioned to better serve as a means of assistance and overall support for their children. Parents educating themselves on the specifics of teen suicide can go a long way, especially if their child talks about having suicidal thoughts or feelings with them. Such a step is something to emphasize when understanding the urgency to take them seriously. It’s not uncommon for teens to have their suicidal thoughts or behaviors written off by their parents as a “phase” or a means for attention due to immaturity. This can be far from the truth. Teens who are exhibiting alarming behaviors that can indicate suicide can be in danger of hurting themselves or needing guidance/support if struggling with their mental health. Parents can respond with empathy and urgency to best help their children (Psychology Today, n. d., p. 8).
The ability to provide parental support isn’t something to be downplayed. Parents have the unique opportunity to provide reassurance to their teens on a deeper level to ensure one doesn’t feel alone or isolated. One can take the time to effectively listen to their teen while maintaining a connection. By this parents, can make the effort to hear more about how their teen is feeling emotionally while spending more quality time with them. The act of making time for one’s teen while showing compassion to hear their pain lets them know they will have support every step of the way to better their mental health (American Psychological Association (APA), 2024, pp. 2-3). A parent’s role in helping their teen make sense of their feelings regarding suicide can make all the difference. Teens need to have reassurance that their parents can provide a safe environment to express feelings of suicide without fearing judgment.
It’s up to parents to ensure they are there for their children when having conversations surrounding suicide prevention. This topic isn’t easy by any means to unpack with one’s teen, but it is something that can make all the difference. It can be helpful for parents to remember that if their teen has been dealing with suicidal thoughts or feelings, it’s not about them. Thus, it is important to emphasize that some parents may be taken off guard or assume their parenting style is to blame. This isn’t always the case, but there needs to be attention paid to shift focus to how to help one’s teen. Parents being proactive in understanding that their teen needs them to convey a welcoming environment through body language, tone of voice, and word choice. For example, parents can communicate how much they care for their teen and are able to navigate their pain alongside them, which is key. Once these steps are taken, parents can get the help their teen needs when seeking professional guidance (Reiter, 2023, pp. 2-5).
Furthermore, parents need to engage with intent when unpacking suicide prevention efforts with teens. The ability to provide a safe, inclusive environment where teens feel inclined to share how they’re feeling without fear of judgment is the goal all parents should accomplish. Teens need to know they have someone in their corner, especially when encountering difficult seasons of life. This means of support can be highly beneficial for teens taking the next steps to improve their mental health alongside someone who has their best interests at heart.
~ Lauren Montoya
Lauren Montoya is a Southern California native with a background in sociology and liberal studies. She is on her way to become a licensed mental health clinician. Lauren is passionate about animal welfare, mental health, and the arts.
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2024, May 16). Talking to Teens: Suicide Prevention.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024, May 13). Teen Suicide.
Psychology Today. (n.d.). Children, Teens, and Suicide Risk.