Suicidal Thoughts or (SMI
Studies on adults have suggested that a person’s risk of suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts is influenced by adverse life events, family history, and genetics. Many factors can increase the risk of suicide. Suicide is connected to but not limited to life-changing health factors and brutality. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence, have a higher suicide risk.
According to the CDC
Suicide rates increased 30% between 2000–2018 and declined in 2019 and 2020. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.
Suicide affects all ages. In 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.
Other Americans with higher-than-average rates of suicide are veterans, people who live in rural areas, and workers in specific industries and occupations.
Now let’s talk about our youth; I’m going to share some alarming statistics and facts.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of teen deaths in the United States. In my opinion, suicide is a significant public health concern; however, the underlying factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens are still not completely understood; and need to be closely monitored.
Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual have higher suicidal thoughts and behavior rates than their peers who identify as heterosexual. Why is that? Many teen boys and girls feel shame and fear of disappointment or abandonment from family if they ‘come out.’ I have clients who believe it is not an option; most of these clients are in a religious affiliation with the belief that having emotional or sexual feelings with someone of the same sex is forbidden. The God I know loves all his children and wants happiness for them. Family members may believe homosexuality is not happiness, which has been ingrained in them since childhood. The truth is, they are the ones who feel shame and embarrassment. Homosexuality is not their happiness. Being forced to believe in something you don’t is what causes these teens to feel their life would be better if they were dead. To them, I say, “You get to decide what and how to worship.”
There are signs parents should look for and talk about with their teens.
Keep an eye on your teen’s social media accounts. While social media can give teens valuable support, it can also expose them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives, and peer pressure. If your teen is hurt or upset by social media posts or messages, encourage them to talk to you or a trusted adult. Feeling connected and supported at school can have a strong protective effect. I have had many clients who experience bullying at school, on the bus, and especially on social media. During those teens, they are vulnerable and seek acceptance among their peers. Many become isolated. Encourage them to get out and do something they love, go for a walk. Fresh air is always refreshing and allows the parent to talk with their teen.
If your teen thinks about suicide, they are likely to display warning signs. Listen to what your child is saying and watch how they are acting. Never shrug off threats of suicide as teen melodrama.
Don’t wait for your teen to come to you. If your teen is sad, anxious, depressed, or struggling, ask what’s wrong and offer your support.
