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Suicide in Children and Teens
Suicide (killing oneself on purpose) is very rare in young children. But it is the third most common cause of death in children from ages 10 to
19.
What are the risk factors?
Children are most likely to consider suicide if they suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and alcohol or substance
abuse. Stressful events can put kids over the edge. They are more likely to kill themselves on impulse than adults are. Many commit suicide
within a few weeks of getting into trouble at school or with the police, breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, or fighting with friends.
Risk factors include:
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depression
previous suicide attempts
alcohol or drug abuse
history of disruptive behavior
recently getting into trouble at school or with police
relationship problems like breakups, humiliation or fights
little communication with parents, or parents who are divorced or recently remarried
Girls attempt suicide more often than boys do. But boys are much more likely to actually kill themselves. Girls are more likely to try to kill
themselves by overdosing on drugs or cutting their wrists. Boys most often try to kill themselves using guns, hanging, or jumping.
Firearms are the most common and fastest-growing method of suicide for males and females of all ages in the US. Having a gun in the
house increases the chances that a young person in that home will commit suicide. An upset child or teen may impulsively use a firearm.
Using a gun increases the chances that a suicide attempt will be fatal. Other methods are more likely to allow time for second thoughts and
getting medical help.
What are the signs of suicidal feelings?
Signs that your child is considering suicide may include:
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sad or "empty" mood
loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
withdrawal from family and friends
change in appetite or weight
trouble sleeping or oversleeping
irritability or restlessness
energy loss
feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
trouble thinking or concentrating
letting the quality of his or her schoolwork go down
risky behavior such as abusing drugs or alcohol, or driving too fast
talking or joking about suicide or writing notes or poems about death
giving away prized possessions or throwing away important belongings
What can I do to help my child?
If you are concerned about your child's behavior:
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Ask open-ended questions. If your child knows she can express her point of view to you, she will be more likely to talk to you
about important things.
Help your child get treatment if he or she has signs of depression, or problems with alcohol or drugs. If your child is especially
grouchy, worried, withdrawn, sad, upset, or badly behaved for 2 weeks or more, get an evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
Patient Handouts
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Ask your child if he or she is thinking about suicide. You will not cause suicide by talking about it. You show that you care when
you ask. If he or she talks about death or mentions suicide, do not get mad or pass judgment. Get professional help. Reassure
your child that you love him or her. Remind children that no matter how awful problems seem, they can be worked out, and you
are willing to help.
Remove or lock up lethal weapons in your home, such as guns, pills, and poisons.
Both medicines and therapy are useful to treat depression in children and adolescents. The only drug approved for use in children with major
depressive disorder is fluoxetine (Prozac). Many parents are concerned about giving children antidepressants. Talk with your healthcare
provider or mental health professional about this. Untreated depression can be fatal.
If your child is depressed, starting on a new antidepressant, or taking a different dose, be alert to any changes in behavior. Never take your
child off an antidepressant suddenly without consulting with the prescriber. With some drugs you must taper off slowly to avoid physical and
emotional symptoms.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps children learn about depression, along with teaching specific skills for managing their physical
symptoms, negative thoughts, and problem behaviors.
If you think your child is suicidal, get help immediately. Talk with your child's healthcare provider or a mental health specialist. Your local
mental health association or county medical society can provide references. In an emergency, call the National Suicide Hotline at 800SUICIDE.
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.