Up to this point we’ve been talking about tendencies and theoretical possibilities. A risk factor is not necessarily a problem: it’s a weakness that could lead to a problem. A bald tire is not a flat tire, but it might become a flat tire under the right conditions very easily. When that starts to happen, there are usually some warning signs: wires sticking through the treads, for instance, or a bulge, or a slow loss of air. It’s the same, metaphorically speaking, with people considering suicide.
Studies show that four out of five teen suicide attempts have been preceded by clear warning signs: changes in behavior or attitude indicating a dangerous psychological shift. An important part of averting a teen suicide is staying involved in your child’s life—especially if she’s at risk for some reason—and watching for these signals:
- Sudden changes in behavior, attitudes, or social habits
- Expressions of intense guilt or hopelessness
- Declining grades and other problems at school or work
- Behavioral issues
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Increased boredom
- For boys, sudden outbursts of anger and violence
- Substance abuse, unsafe sexual activity, and other risky behaviors
- Lack of positive response to praise
- Physical complaints (fatigue, aches, pains, migraines) resulting from emotional distress
- Loss of interest in favorite extracurricular activities
- Changes in sleep patterns: too much or too little
- Changes in eating habits
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Threatening, talking, or joking about suicide
- Sudden interest in procuring potential tools for suicide (firearms, pills, poisons, etc.)
- A teen who has been struggling with depression, stress, anxiety or deep disappointment suddenly seeming happier and calmer; this may be a sign that he has made up his mind to end his life
- “Cleaning house”: a sudden impulse to give away personal possessions
- Neglect of hygiene and other matters of personal appearance
Not all of these signs will be present in every case. There have been instances in which a seemingly well-adjusted teen committed suicide for no apparent reason. But vigilance is always important, especially if two or three of the signs listed above appear in combination.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution. In particular, any talk about suicide on the part of your child needs to be taken seriously and given full attention. If your kid says something such as, “I’d be better off dead,” or “Maybe life would be easier for you if I wasn’t around,” take action.
Assessing the Danger
On an even more serious level, the following behaviors may indicate that your child is actually in the process of putting together a suicide plan:
- Open declaration: “I’m thinking of committing suicide,” or “I wish I could die.”
- Verbal hints that could point to suicidal thoughts or plans; for example, “I want you to know something in case anything happens to me,” or “I won’t be troubling you anymore.”
- Suicide notes or diary entries
- Verbal expression of bizarre or unsettling thoughts
What Now?
If you become aware of any of the warning signs listed above, sit down with your child and have a heart-to-heart talk. Don’t be afraid to get pushy. Press your son or daughter with some direct questions. You might begin by asking, “Where are these negative feelings coming from?” or “What is it that’s causing you to talk so much about ending your life?” It could be especially helpful and revealing to ask, “Exactly what would have to change for you to feel better?” You may also want to get an official psychiatric diagnosis so you can find out what’s behind the depressive behavior and talk of suicide.
The important thing is to take action now—before it’s too late.
In the next two chapters, we’ll take an in-depth look at strategies for dealing with a suicidal teen or young adult.