Teen Suicidal Thoughts: When to Seek Professional Help
Ever heard someone say “Teens” with a roll of their eyes? The teenage years hold a certain amount of stigma—mood swings, behavior changes, constant attempts at independence.
And it’s true—teen years are hard going for the adults supporting them. But what about the teens? It’s easy for the true extent of a teen’s struggles to get lost in the noise of the other difficulties this age presents.
Teenage suicidal thoughts are a concerning issue that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In the US alone, 22% of high school students have not only thought about suicide but seriously considered it.
But what are suicidal thoughts? And when do you know it’s time to seek support? If you’re a teen struggling with suicidal thoughts or a parent or caregiver who’s concerned about your teen’s well-being, it’s important to act quickly.
In the case of emergencies, reach out to a crisis hotline or 911. For more generalized, ongoing support, speak to us at Mission Prep. We offer compassionate support tailored to teens, providing a structured environment that aids coping and recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
Spotting the warning signs and symptoms associated with suicidal thoughts in teens can help you act fast. Not only can this a) help you nip things in the bud before they get any worse, but also b) show your teen they’re not alone.
Suicidal thoughts in teens can show up in three key areas of life: their emotions, their behaviors, and their physical health. Let’s explore each.
Emotional Signs of Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
If a teen is struggling with suicidal thoughts, they’ll often feel a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness that won’t go away. Teens may tell you that they feel like a failure or that life isn’t worth living.
Mood swings are common, ranging from irritability to sudden calmness after going to periods of distress. These differ from typical mood swings you’d associate with teen years, as they’re often more severe and unpredictable.
What’s more, keep an eye out for emotional withdrawal from loved ones, friends, or favorite activities, often accompanied by a sense of detachment or numbness.
It’s important to pay attention to these shifts in emotions, as they can serve as a signal that things are worsening. If you notice these signs, reach out for support.
Behavioral Signs of Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
Refusing to go out with friends or family and walling themselves in their room or other private spaces is a common behavioral sign of suicide.
A noticeable decline in academic performance or a sudden disinterest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities may also indicate your child is struggling.
Furthermore, giving away prized possessions or making statements that hint at closure, such as, “You’ll be better off without me” are warning signs of suicidal thoughts.
Physical Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
Disturbed sleep patterns, including insomnia or sleeping excessively, can indicate suicidal thoughts, but these alone aren’t enough to suggest this is what’s going on. Teens may also appear physically drained or struggle to stay awake during the day.
Physical fatigue or frequent complaints of feeling unwell without a clear medical cause can also highlight an issue.
And finally, visible signs of self-harm, such as cuts, burns, or scars, often on areas of the body that are hidden by clothing, are a clear indication of suicidal thoughts.
Warning Signs for Immediate Action
If a struggling teen displays thoughts of self-harm or suicide or outwardly expresses detailed plans to harm themselves, it’s important to take this seriously. In these instances, try to spring into immediate action to prevent their feelings from worsening or them acting on these.
If you’re concerned they are in immediate danger, call 911 or a crisis hotline. If you don’t need emergency support but an intervention is still necessary, contact our premier teen mental health treatment team at Mission Prep.
Causes of Suicidal Thoughts in Teens and Young Adults
Having insight into risk factors for youth suicide and what leads to suicidal thoughts in teens can give you a better idea of how to address them. One thing to remember is that these thoughts never come from a single source. Instead, they usually result from a combination of mental health challenges, social pressures, and personal experiences.
Mental Health Conditions
Teens struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety and substance use disorders are at greater risk of having suicidal thoughts and showing suicidal behaviors. Depression and other mental health difficulties also put young people at a greater risk of suicide.
Social Factors
Going through social turmoil like bullying, family conflict, being a social outcast, and even academic pressure, can create a sense of isolation or unworthiness. Cyberbullying, in particular, heightens these challenges by creating a 24/7 cycle of stress.
Traumatic Experiences
Losing a loved one, abuse, or witnessing some form of violence can impact a teen’s mental health tremendously. Having to deal with these traumatic events when a teen’s brain isn’t yet fully developed can leave them emotionally overwhelmed, and they may find it difficult to cope.
Co-occurring Issues
Co-occurring conditions such as eating disorders or chronic illness can worsen feelings of despair in teens. Having to deal with these ongoing issues can trigger suicidal thoughts or worsen mental illness. Teens who are juggling many challenges may feel as if there’s no way out, particularly if their mental health is already vulnerable.
Because of the vulnerability in this age group, it’s so important to create a supportive space where they feel safe opening up about what they’re going through. Honest communication and addressing concerns early on with effective therapeutic interventions can go a long way in reducing their risk and helping them feel less alone.
Suicidal Thoughts vs. Suicidal Ideation and Active Planning
Not all suicidal thoughts are the same, and it’s important to differentiate between fleeting thoughts, ideation, and active planning. These distinctions can help caregivers and mental health professionals determine the level of intervention a teen needs.
Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts may occur during moments of extreme stress or sadness. They’re often passive, and they don’t involve a specific plan. Therapy, coping strategies, and support from friends and family can help teens address these feelings before they escalate.
Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation involves more active and intentional thoughts of ending one’s life, often including detailed plans. Youth suicidal ideation should always be treated as a crisis requiring immediate professional intervention, as this can nip any suicidal thoughts in the bud and ensure teens get the support they deserve.
When a teen begins actively preparing for suicide—whether by acquiring means or setting a date—it’s a medical emergency. This level of planning indicates an imminent risk and requires immediate action by calling 911.
How Suicidal Thoughts Are Assessed in Teens
Suicidal thoughts are complex, so you need to reach out to a mental health specialist to diagnose suicidal ideation.
Mental health providers use structured interviews and tools such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale to gauge the severity of a teen’s suicidal thoughts and assess their risk of harm. These assessments explore potential triggers, a history of self-harm, and plans for suicide.
Observations from parents, caregivers, and educators can provide additional context for the teen’s struggles, offering a holistic view of their behavior and emotional health. Early assessment and diagnosis mean that teens receive personalized care suited to their unique needs.
Treatment Options for Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
When suicidal thoughts are persistent or severe, professional treatment can provide the safety and support teens need to heal. Inpatient therapy and residential treatment are two of the most effective approaches for teens at risk.
Inpatient Treatment for Suicidal Teens
Inpatient therapy for teens with suicidal thoughts provides brief, intensive care in a stable facility. These programs are designed to help teens feel more grounded during a crisis and provide them with effective tools for coping long-term.
Key components of inpatient treatment include 24/7 supervision to make sure the teens’ are safe at all times, especially during moments of crisis. There’s also crisis stabilization to help them regroup and focus on emotional control, effectively reducing the immediate risk of harm.
Teens will also participate in therapies geared toward their age group, meaning they’ll meet each teen’s exact needs. Inpatient programs tend to weave in evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to teach teens healthier ways to cope with their emotions.
Residential Treatment for Suicidal Ideation
Residential programs provide a more extensive treatment program in a safe setting. These programs focus on helping teens build the skills they need to manage their emotions and create a healthier mindset. Key benefits include:
- Skill-Building and Therapy: Teens learn emotional regulation, communication, and stress management.
- Community Support: Living alongside peers with similar struggles helps them feel more connected and reduces their isolation.
- Holistic Healing: Programs typically use art therapy, mindfulness, and group sessions to cater to their emotional needs.
Coping Strategies and Support for Teens with Suicidal Thoughts
Managing suicidal thoughts in youth is challenging, but building a toolkit of coping strategies for teens can help them manage their difficult feelings.
The first coping strategy is building a community—this shows them they aren’t alone. A community doesn’t have to be big, it can be one or two people. For example, a parent, teacher, friend, or school counselor. Simply sharing their feelings can reduce the burden they carry.
Another coping strategy to incorporate is relaxation techniques. Techniques like meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or deep breathing can help teens stay grounded during overwhelming moments.
Creative activities can be another great way for teens to manage their emotions. Strategies like journaling, painting, or playing music, each serve as a healthy way to process emotions and explore feelings safely.
It’s important to note that coping strategies are unique to each individual—there’s no one-size-fits-all. So, encourage your child to take time to explore their interests and identify what works for them.
When Parents Should Seek Help for Their Teen
If your child is struggling, know that they don’t have to manage these feelings alone—and you don’t have to support them alone! Programs like those we offer at Mission Prep provide the structured support teens need to address their struggles and find hope.
For immediate emergencies, contact 911 or a crisis hotline. Every teen and young adult in need can bounce back, it’s just about finding the right support for them.
References
Columbia Psychiatry. (n.d.). Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/research-labs/columbia-suicide-severity-rating-scale-c-ssrs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Youth risk behavior survey 2011-12. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/YRBS_Data-Summary-Trends_Report2023_508.pdf
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