Adolescent suicide and how to prevent it.

Full Answer Section Warning Signs There are a number of warning signs that may indicate that an adolescent is at risk for suicide. These include:

• Talking about suicide or death.
• Making plans for suicide.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.
• Changes in mood, such as becoming more depressed or angry.
• Changes in behavior, such as dropping out of school or getting into trouble with the law.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.

Causes The causes of adolescent suicide are complex and not fully understood. However, there are a number of factors that may contribute to suicide, including:

• Mental health disorders: Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are often underlying causes of suicide.
• Trauma: Adolescents who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or violence, are more likely to attempt or complete suicide.
• Bullying: Adolescents who are bullied are more likely to attempt or complete suicide.
• Family history of suicide: Adolescents who have a family history of suicide are more likely to attempt or complete suicide themselves.
• Access to lethal means: Adolescents who have access to lethal means, such as guns or pills, are more likely to attempt or complete suicide.

Conclusion and Prevention Strategies Suicide is a serious public health issue, but it is preventable. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent adolescent suicide, including:

• Identifying and treating mental health disorders: Early identification and treatment of mental health disorders can help to prevent suicide.
• Addressing trauma: Adolescents who have experienced trauma should be provided with support and treatment to help them cope with their experiences.
• Preventing bullying: Bullying is a major risk factor for suicide, and it is important to take steps to prevent bullying in schools and other settings.
• Restricting access to lethal means: Adolescents should not have access to lethal means, such as guns or pills.
• Educating the public about suicide: The public should be educated about the warning signs of suicide and the importance of seeking help if they are concerned about someone who may be at risk.

If you are concerned that an adolescent you know may be at risk for suicide, it is important to reach out for help. You can talk to the adolescent, their parents, or a trusted adult. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Reference

• National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Sample Answer Introduction Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States. In 2020, there were over 5,000 suicides among adolescents aged 15-19. Suicide is a serious public health issue, and it is important to be aware of the risk factors, warning signs, and causes of adolescent suicide in order to prevent it. Risk Factors There are a number of risk factors that can increase the likelihood of adolescent suicide. These include:

• Mental health disorders: Adolescents who have mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, are at an increased risk for suicide.
• Family history of suicide: Adolescents who have a family history of suicide are more likely to attempt or complete suicide themselves.
• Trauma: Adolescents who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or violence, are also at an increased risk for suicide.
• Bullying: Adolescents who are bullied are more likely to attempt or complete suicide.
• Access to lethal means: Adolescents who have access to lethal means, such as guns or pills, are more likely to attempt or complete suicide.