Suicidal behavior in teens can lead to tragic consequences. And, with teen suicide as the third leading cause of adolescent death, it is important to realize the stakes in preventing teen suicide. Keep reading for more information on teenage suicide prevention.

Part of preventing teen suicide also includes recognizing the issues that can trigger feelings of teen depression leading to suicidal thoughts and feelings. Teen suicide prevention requires diligence on the part of guardians, as well as a willingness to seek professional help when it is needed.

Recognizing teen suicidal behavior

One of the first steps to teen suicide prevention is to recognize suicidal behaviors in teenagers. It is important to be involved in a teenager’s life, so that you can recognize when behavior seems a little abnormal and prone to teen depression and/or teen suicide. Realizing that teenagers have a lot of stress on them today can help you understand that it may seem difficult for teens to cope with all of the life and hormonal changes they are going to. Be on the lookout for behavior that indicates a pattern of suicidal thoughts and feelings, including the following:

• Expresses thoughts of death, dying and a desire to leave this life 
• Changes in normal habits, such as eating and sleeping, and spending time with friends and family 
• Dramatic weight fluctuations, in any direction 
• Evidence of substance abuse (alcohol and drugs, both legal and illegal) 
• Dramatic mood swings (becomes very happy after feeling very depressed) 
• Lost interest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities (including declining grades)

While all of these things are not necessarily indications of suicidal thoughts and feelings when taken separately, or happening rarely, a pattern can exhibit a serious problem, as can a combination of factors. Make sure that you take note of how often the above symptoms appear.

Teen suicide prevention

One of the most important aspects of teen suicide prevention is support. The teenager needs to know that you support and love him or her, and that you are willing to help him or her find hope in life again. One of the most effective ways to prevent teen suicide is to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts and feelings, and seek professional help. Some of the most effective teen suicide prevention programs consist of identifying and treating the following problems: 

• Mental and learning disorders 
• Substance abuse problems 
• Problems dealing with stress 
• Behavior problems (such as controlling aggressive and impulsive behavior)

All of the above issues can be difficult for a teenager to cope with, leading to helplessness and discouragement, which in turn can turn to self-destructive thoughts in order to make an escape from the seemingly insurmountable pressures of life. Getting help for underlying problems, which almost always include teen depression can lead to more effective teen suicide prevention. Your support as a teenager you know enters therapy can help him or her more effectively recover and know that there are people who want to help him or her deal with the issues of life.

Teenage Suicide Prevention Main Source Material: “Teen Suicide.” Ohio State University Medical Center. Ohio State University. [Online.]

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