Facts About Suicide in Adolescents and Young Adults
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts among youth has increased over the last decade.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death for adolescents ages 15-19 (Curtin et al, 2023).
- Adolescent females are more likely to attempt suicide.
- Males are much more likely to complete suicide than females.
- Firearms and suffocation were the two most common methods of suicide.
Risk Factors
Identified factors that may increase the risks for suicide and attempted suicide in young people include:
- Prior suicide attempt
- Mental or substance abuse disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- Easy access to lethal methods, especially guns
- Family history of suicide
- Exposure to suicide of a family member, friend or another significant person
- History of abuse
- Impaired parent-child relationships
- Life stressors, especially interpersonal losses and legal or disciplinary problems
- Lack of involvement in school and/or work
What to Watch For
- Talking about suicide
- Looking for ways to harm oneself
- Preoccupation with death or dying
- Hopelessness
- Reckless and risky behavior
- Feeling trapped
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Dramatic mood changes
- Feeling a lack of purpose in life
When to Act
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, act immediately.
- Take them seriously
- Listen
- Don’t leave them alone
- Help them get to a professional for an evaluation and treatment
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, if you are experiencing mental health related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Also, remember that it is important to limit access to firearms or other potential tools for committing suicide, including prescription and over-counter medications.
