Suicide risk in adolescents

Some adolescents become so stressed and overwhelmed by life that they consider suicide. Red flags for suicide risk include:

• Use of drugs or alcohol.
• Talking, writing, or drawing about death.
• Giving away personal or sentimental possessions.
• Writing suicide notes.
• Buying or talking about having items that can cause physical harm, such as a gun, knife, or pills.
• Showing an increase in aggressive behavior.
• Spending long periods of time alone.

Any mention of suicide should be taken seriously. If your adolescent or teen or someone you know is threatening suicide, try to find out if the person:

• Has the means available to commit suicide, such as weapons or medicine.
• Has set a time and place to commit suicide.
• Thinks that there is no other way to end his or her pain.

If a suicide threat seems real:

• Stay with the person until the crisis has passed.
• Seek professional help.
• Tell your child that you do not want him or her to die. Talk about the situation as openly as possible.
• Call 911 , a suicide hot line, or the police immediately if needed.

Author:	Amy Fackler, MA	Last Updated May 4, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
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