Suicide Among Young People

Image: Johns Hopkins Medicine 

By Rosabel Zohfeld, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, suicide rates among young people have increased by 47 % from 2016 to 2018. Across the U.S. and the world, many communities are experiencing much distress, and unfortunately, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between ages 10 to 24. Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, and losing loved ones can seem impossible to deal mainly at young ages. Suicide is not inevitable for anyone; however, by starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

What are the risk factors?

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• Stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Are there any warning signs?

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Extreme mood swings

Knowing that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, don’t be afraid to let your friends, teachers, family members, or healthcare providers. 

You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime; all calls are confidential.

You need to know that you can recover and overcome suicide attempts or ideation

Here are some essential tips:

• Talk to someone: Talk about your feelings to others. Don’t keep suicidal feelings to yourself.

• Find a counselor

• Find a hobby or activity you enjoy

• Make a safety plan: a step-by-step plan that you can follow during times of crisis 

• Read other’s stories on hope and recovery

• Evaluate the relationships in your life

• If you are bullied, talk about it; there is help!

• You can, too create a culture of suicide prevention by helping others

How can you help?

You can help by providing support services, discussing suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones. These are just some actions we can all take to help others. 

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A CRISIS (or someone you know), PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT 1-800-273-8255 OR TEXT HOME TO 741 741 TO REACH THE CRISIS TEXT LINE.