Teen Suicide Warning Signs
Since depression is the main cause of suicide, here are some symptoms of depression in teens:
- Disinterest in usually liked activities
- Disinterest in school
- Problems with concentration
- Declining grades • Substance abuse
- Behavioral problems
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Changes in sleep patterns, trouble going or staying asleep, waking up earlier than usual
- Changes in eating habits
- Neglect of personal appearance or hygene
- Stress-related physical complaints
- Risk taking behaviors
Direct Warning Signs
Here is a list of signs that should not be ignored:
- The most direct indicator is a verbal statement like “I’m thinking of committing suicide” or “I want to die."
- Suicide notes.
- Indirect verbal clues: such as: “I won’t bother you anymore.” “If I were gone no one would miss me.”
- Giving away favorite belongings.
- Throwing away possessions.
- Cheerfulness following periods of depression. When a person is depressed they often don’t have the energy to commit suicide. When the depression lifts suicide becomes possible. The possibility of escape from emotional pain raises hope of relief.
- Suicide Plan with specifics. “I am going to get a gun out of my dad’s gun case and do it when no one is home.”
- Means available: guns in the house, stockpiling pills, access to car.
Four out of five people who commit suicide present early warning signs.
To read more about teen suicide warning signs…
Continue on from Teen Warning Signs to Teen Suicide Prevention.
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