Health Topics for Parenting and Family Life

Child and Adolescent Program

Suicide Warning Signs

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-22 year olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for children 5-14 years of age. Attempted suicides are even more common.

The warning signs of suicide include:

• changes in personality, grades at school or in circle of friends
• depression or sadness because of a loss of parent, relative or friend
• fear of failure in school or at work, or sudden decline in schoolwork
• giving away of personal possessions
• preoccupation with thought of death or suicide
• unnatural fear of disasters like nuclear war, violence or AIDS
• sudden withdrawal from friends and family or loss of interest in favorite pastimes
• becoming suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
• reckless risk-taking or rebellious behavior, violent actions, or running away
• drug and alcohol use
• changes in eating and sleeping habits
• unusual neglect of personal appearance
• frequent complaints of physical symptoms often related to emotions such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue
• signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts) and
• verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," or "I won't see you again."

Parents who stay involved in their teen's life will notice any of these signs should they occur. Distressed teens may hear of other teen suicides and copy the act.

If you are worried about a teen, and if you think they may be considering suicide, do not be afraid to ask them directly. This will not cause them to consider suicide if they had not previously. If they are thinking about it, they may tell you. You can then get immediate help for them.

For urgent advice about someone's behavior or if you are feeling suicidal, call toll-free the 24-hour national hotline at 1-800- SUICIDE or call 911 and tell them you, or someone you know, are in suicidal danger. Another 24-hour hotline for teens in crisis is 800- 999-9999. For resource information, call the National Mental Health Association at 800-969-NMHA. Do not ignore the signs; you may have just one chance to prevent suicide.

Call for comfort and call to survive.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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