Suicide Prevention and Awareness
SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS
Suicide in Teens
Teenage suicide is a serious and growing problem. The teenage years can be emotionally turbulent and stressful. Teenagers face pressures to succeed and fit in. They may struggle with self-esteem issues, self-doubt, and feelings of alienation. For some, this leads to suicide. Depression is also a major risk factor for teen suicide.
Other risk factors for teenage suicide include:
Suicide in Teens
Teenage suicide is a serious and growing problem. The teenage years can be emotionally turbulent and stressful. Teenagers face pressures to succeed and fit in. They may struggle with self-esteem issues, self-doubt, and feelings of alienation. For some, this leads to suicide. Depression is also a major risk factor for teen suicide.
Other risk factors for teenage suicide include:
- Childhood abuse
- Recent traumatic event
- Lack of a support network
- Availability of a gun
- Hostile social or school environment
- Exposure to other teen suicides
Suicide warning signs in teens
Additional warning signs that a teen may be considering suicide:
Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent or rebellious behavior, running away
Drug and alcohol use
Unusual neglect of personal appearance
Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
Not tolerating praise or rewards
Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Suicide prevention telephone hotline funded by the U.S. government. Provides free, 24-hour assistance. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Local Resources:
Aspire: Crisis 1-800-560-4038
Meridian Health Services: Emergency 800-333-2647
Saint Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital: Anderson Center 1(800) 453-9143
Additional warning signs that a teen may be considering suicide:
Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent or rebellious behavior, running away
Drug and alcohol use
Unusual neglect of personal appearance
Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
Not tolerating praise or rewards
Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Suicide prevention telephone hotline funded by the U.S. government. Provides free, 24-hour assistance. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Local Resources:
Aspire: Crisis 1-800-560-4038
Meridian Health Services: Emergency 800-333-2647
Saint Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital: Anderson Center 1(800) 453-9143