September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Sadly, suicidality among children and adolescents is an increasing cause for concern. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness of this serious mental health issue that impacts so many of the people we live and work with every day, especially the children we serve at CK Family Services.
Rising Suicide Rates: A Growing Concern
While suicidality and self-harm is more common during adolescence, younger elementary age children are also affected. Not only has the prevalence increased, but also the severity of suicidality reported by the children who are experiencing it. According to the Children’s Hospital Association, “Approximately 2 million adolescents attempt suicide each year. Among U.S. pediatric deaths, more than 25% are by suicide. It is the second leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 10 to 24, causing more death than any single major illness and second only to unintentional injuries. Each year, some 6,500 deaths in this age group account for 14% of all suicides in the U.S.”
Risk Factors
Children in foster care have often experienced more of the life events that increase one’s risk for suicidality than the general population. Those who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, or witnessed a traumatic event are more likely to have thoughts of suicidality or self-harm. The children served by CK Family Services often have endured or are currently going through incredible life stressors. Loss of important relationships as a result of removal or splitting up sibling groups can be key to a child feeling helpless, hopeless, and alone. Additional risk factors about children and adolescents include experience with discrimination, limited access to support or family, youth who identify as LGBTQI, family or personal history of suicide attempts, substance misuse, access to means for self-harm, and social isolation.
Warning Signs
Often it is hard to determine what behaviors are a “red flag” and what might just be a normal part of a child’s development process. Below are some warning signs that a child may be experiencing thoughts of suicidality.
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Worsening school performance
- Loss of interest in activities they enjoyed before (social, sports)
- Anxiety, feeling overwhelmed
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Increase or decrees in weight or appetite
- Discouragement about the future
- Difficulty seeing any good or positives in their life
- Giving away possessions that are very important to them
- Increase in drug or alcohol use
- Talk of wishing they could “go away,” that it would all just end, or that they just wouldn’t wake up one day
- Suddenly becoming very happy after being depressed for a period of time
Caregiver Tips
As a caregiver or friend you may feel at a loss for how to help a child experiencing depression or suicidal ideation. One important step to take is to seek out information regarding this topic. Use the internet, a therapist, or local support groups to educate yourself on children and suicidality. Find out what resources are available in your area. Caregivers can also seek out immediate help for their child through a talk therapist, psychiatrist, or other medical professional. It is also important to ask a child what they are experiencing in a non-judgmental way and then just listen without criticizing. Never leave someone alone if they are threatening suicide. Call 9-1-1 or take the person to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a hospital.
Author Rachael Reyna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and serves as the Behavioral Health Manager of Education for CKBH. As an advocate for children and families, our Behavioral Health department offers trauma-informed counseling, skills training, and wraparound services for families dealing with mental health challenges. CKBH is dedicated to helping families build stability and long-term well-being. If you know of a child or teen who might benefit from our services, visit: www.CKBH.org.
Sources & Resources:
The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, https://www.sccenter.org/
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/ (Risk Factors, warning signs, and ways to prepare)
Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: 214-828-1000, 800-273-8255, sccenter.org
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
Go Ask Alice!: goaskalice.columbia.edu
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/
