Teenagers can be hormonal, and that can lead to moodiness, depression, irritability, and all the “fun” stuff that comes with the growing pains of adolescence. But what is the line that separates growing pains from the deep, profound suffering that drives some teenagers to take their lives? Youth mental health experts like the team at Clearfork Academy say that there are some stark differences, and recognizing these warning signs can help you save your teen’s life.
It’s Not Attention-Seeking – Your Teen Is Suffering
Perhaps this is obvious, but it should be said: One of the most direct warning signs of suicidal ideation in teens is talk of wanting to die or disappear. If a teen expresses that they believe there is no reason to live, you should not dismiss it as “attention-seeking” behavior; instead, treat these statements as a call for help or a sign that your child is suffering.
Social withdrawal is another warning sign, but it also doubles as a risk factor, as isolation can worsen suicidal ideation by cutting the individual off from their support network. Even a teen fiercely determined to be independent will have activities they enjoy, and they’ll also be willing to spend time with their family and friends on occasion.
A teen who has become withdrawn due to severe depression will not experience any of these things. As a result, you should treat this kind of withdrawal seriously, especially if the teen used to be social and is dropping out of activities they once enjoyed.
Other Signs of Suicidal Ideation
Other signs include volatile moods, persistent irritability or agitation, or prolonged periods of sadness with no clear cause. While this may resemble normal teenage moodiness at first glance, take note of how extreme these mood swings are and how intense your teen’s emotional outbursts get. The more extreme, the more likely that your teen is struggling with hidden issues.
A suicidal teen may also neglect their personal appearance, begin engaging in risky behaviors or substance abuse, or make social media posts that suggest feelings of hopelessness. In severe cases, the teen may give away their prized personal possessions to their friends; when combined with other warning signs, this behavior can indicate that a teen has decided to end their life and feels the need to settle their affairs.
Act Quickly to Save Your Teen’s Life
If you notice these signs, you need to take action immediately, but you must also remember to remain calm and empathetic in your approach—it may be tempting to panic and scold your teen, but that will only make them more likely to close themselves off.
Instead, start with an open, non-judgmental conversation and gently ask your teen if they are struggling and have had suicidal thoughts. Don’t listen to the myths that say that bringing up suicide can plant the idea in the teen’s mind—virtually all youth mental health experts agree that even the act of asking can bring relief to your child.
Even before you have confirmation that your teen is suicidal, you should remove access to any means of harm. Putting time and space between the impulse and the tool can actually be more impactful than you think—it may even save your teen’s life.
Finally, if your teen does confirm that they are struggling with suicidal ideation, your family should enlist the aid of a professional youth mental health expert as soon as possible. Suicidal thoughts are the result of mental health conditions that require treatment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help at all; in fact, staying involved with your teen’s recovery goes a long way in ensuring they feel supported and understood, so make sure you keep up with their progress and attend as many family sessions as you can.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
