How You Can Help Prevent Teen Suicide

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and encouraging open conversations about this critical issue. Every year, nonprofit and government organizations in the mental health sector work to spotlight the risk factors for suicide and offer vital resources to individuals and communities. 

Given that suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people, there’s an urgent need to advocate for teen suicide prevention in particular. 

Signs Your Adolescent Child or a Teen You Know May Be Considering Suicide

Understanding the signs that a teen may be considering suicide is crucial for timely intervention. Some common warning signs include:

• Withdrawal from friends and family. Teens may isolate themselves from social activities and prefer to be alone.

• Changes in behavior. Drastic shifts in behavior, such as increased aggression, irritability, or risk-taking activities, may be present.

• Troubling emotional expressions. Teens may express feelings of depression or hopelessness, or they may talk about being a burden to others.

• Decline in academic performance. A sudden drop in grades or lack of interest in schoolwork can be a red flag.

• Mentions of death or suicide. Direct or indirect references to dying, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts should never be ignored.

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits. Significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns can indicate underlying emotional distress.

• Giving away possessions. Teens planning suicide might start giving away their cherished belongings.

Recognizing these signs early and taking them seriously can be lifesaving.

Ways Everyone Can Prevent Teen Suicide

Preventing teen suicide requires a community effort from parents, teachers, friends, peers, and health care professionals. Here are some effective strategies.

Open Communication

Creating a safe space for open dialogue is essential. Encourage teens to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Asking direct questions about their emotional state can provide crucial insights and show that you care.

Professional Support

If you suspect a teen is struggling, seek professional help immediately. Therapists, counselors, other mental health professionals, and free online resources can provide vital support and interventions. For example, the National Suicide Prevention hotline, 988, offers confidential support 24 hours a day.

School and Community Programs

Schools play a vital role in suicide prevention. Implementing programs that educate students about mental health, resilience, and coping strategies can make a significant difference. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center recommends that schools establish crisis response teams and provide training for staff to recognize and respond to suicide warning signs.

Strengthening Connections

Encourage teens to build strong connections with family, friends, and community members. A robust support network can provide emotional stability and a sense of belonging. Activities that promote teamwork, such as sports and clubs, can help foster these connections.

Limiting Access to Means

Reducing access to potential means of suicide, such as firearms and certain medications, is a crucial preventative measure. Safely storing these items can help prevent impulsive actions during moments of crisis.

Promoting Healthy Habits

Encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, can improve overall mental health and resilience. If you can find ways to support a teen’s physical health, you’re also supporting their emotional health.

Offer Anonymous Help Online

Adolescents experiencing mental health struggles are likely to seek out resources and sounding boards online. If you have insights on suicidal tendencies, seek out trustworthy forums, such as the one offered by Regroup Foundation, where you can anonymously share your experiences and wisdom with a teen whose life may just depend on it. 

Help Prevent Teen Suicide With ReGroup Foundation

ReGroup Foundation is a nonprofit that helps preteens and teens as well as their families anonymously share and benefit from mental health success stories. Too often, the best resources and practices in teen mental health care remain under the radar. 

We want all families to benefit from the triumphs of those who have “been there, done that” where suicidal ideation and behaviors as well as other mental health issues are concerned. We make this possible by collecting family reviews of local mental health caregivers and facilities as well as personal strategies to help teens recover from wellness challenges. In only 15 minutes, you can begin making a world of difference in the lives of other teens and their families — just by anonymously sharing your successes. Register today and start sharing your reviews and mental health insights.