Suicide-Children

child suicide 

This is a topic no one likes to discuss, and no parent wants to even talk, but suicides in children and young people do happen. While older adults are far more likely to commit suicide than children, according to statics suicide is the third major cause of death in young children .

Suicide Risk Factors
Mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety disorders along with an alcohol or substance abuse disorder are the biggest risk factors for suicide.

The top two most important risk factors for suicide for girls is major depression and a previous suicide attempt. For boys, the top risk factor is a previous suicide attempt, followed by depression, disruptive behavior, and substance abuse.

There are several warning signs that someone may be at increased risk of suicide, and they are:

suicide notes — these should always be taken seriously

threatening suicide — direct or indirect

previous attempts of suicide

depression, particularly in the presence of thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness

risk-taking behavior, particularly anything involving gun play, aggression, or substance abuse

making final arrangements — this might involve giving away prized possessions

efforts to hurt themselves, such as self-mutilating behavior and self-destructive acts

inability to concentrate or think rationally

changes in physical habits and appearance, such as insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping far too much), sudden weight gain or loss, disinterest in basic hygiene

great interest in death and suicidal themes — it might manifest in their journal, school papers, drawings

sudden changes in friends, personality and behavior, or withdrawal from family and friends

increased interest in things dealing with suicide — a sudden interest in guns or other weapons, pills, or even alluding to suicidal plans

vulnerable teens and young adults swayed by media reports of celebrity suicides, or the romanticized representation of suicide in movies and television

low levels of communication between parent and child — family discord has not been decisively shown to be a major risk factor for suicide, but it further exacerbates other problems such as depression, alcohol and drub abuse

being bullied or victimized, or being a bully
Unfortunately, many family and friends are left completely bewildered and shocked by the suicide of a young person. It is not uncommon for families to never learn what brought someone to take their own life.

Parents, caregivers, and teachers are the best observers of an adolescent's behavior, and the best judges of suicidal tendencies in children and young adults. If you notice any of the above risk factors, notify your physician, the school counselor, or take them to see a mental health professional immediately. Don't dismiss your instincts or their feelings. If you think something is wrong, it probably is.

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