Facts About Suicidal Thoughts in Children

Facts About Suicidal Thoughts in Children Depression Suicide Print Suicidal Thoughts in Children By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Blend Images - KidStock / Getty Images More in Depression Suicide Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Types Childhood Depression In This Article Table of Contents Expand Age Depression Warning Signs Risk Factors Helping Your Child Getting Immediate Help View All Back To Top If your child or someone else you know is showing the warning signs of suicide, contact your pediatrician, local mental health service providers, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If your child appears to be in a volatile state or in imminent danger of hurting themselves, call 911 and get them to the emergency room Knowing youth suicide facts is especially important for parents of children with depression. For parents, suicidal thoughts and behaviors are one of the most alarming concerns of childhood depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), death by suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds, and many more children attempt but do not complete suicide. Age and Suicidal Thoughts Suicide rates in America are the highest theyve been in 50 years. According to the CDC, suicide rates were significantly higher in 2017 compared to 1999 among females ages 10 to 14 (1.7 and 0.5, respectively) and 15 to 24 (5.8 and 3.0) and males ages 10 to 14 (3.3 and 1.9, respectively) and 15 to 24 (22.7 and 16.8). In 2017, adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 14.46. A 2018 study published in the journal  JAMA Pediatrics  found that the suicide rate among black children under 13 years is double the rate for white children in the same age group. This accounts for both girls and boys. Typically, rates of suicide increase with age, peaking in late adolescence. Girls more often attempt suicide, but boys more frequently follow through to completion. Suicidal Thoughts and Depression According to one study, suicidal thoughts are linked to a worse course of depression, the symptoms of which include earlier onset, longer duration, and shorter intervals of remission. Its important to know that not all depressed children will have suicidal thoughts or show suicidal behavior. In fact, its one of the least common symptoms of childhood depression. Also, not all children with suicidal thoughts and behavior are depressed. Perhaps most comforting to know, not all children who have suicidal thoughts will attempt suicide. However, its a good predictor for future attempts, and these children always need to be evaluated by a professional. Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Children Warning Signs of Suicide Some important warning signs of suicidal behavior in children are: Reckless or risk-taking behavior (such as substance use, reckless driving, and sexually promiscuity)Frequent statements or social media posts about self-harm or suicide, like I wish I were deadPreoccupation with death in conversation, writing, or drawingWithdrawal from friends and familyExpressions of hopelessness about the future, like You wont have to worry about me anymoreGiving away things of importanceDeclining interest in friends, activities, or hobbies previously enjoyedAggressive or hostile behaviorSleep, appetite, or energy changesAnxiety or restlessnessNeglecting personal appearance or groomingRunning away from homeA change in personality (from upbeat to quiet)Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or self-hatred Risk Factors Its not always easy to detect the risk factors that may contribute to a childs risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. However, recognizing them and getting help can be life-saving.  If you think that your child or someone you care about has some of these factors, consider setting up an appointment with a mental health professional for a suicide-risk assessment. If the adolescent is high risk, you may need to schedule these assessments on a regular basis. A family history of suicide, depression, or other mental illnessLoss of a close family member, friend, or classmate by suicide or other sudden deathThreats, bullying, or violence from peersHistory of physical or emotional abusePrevious history of depression or other mental health illnessPrevious suicide attempts How to Help Your Child Here are some strategies to help your child if you think they are having suicidal thoughts: Be aware. While rare in young children, suicide is possible. Know the warning signs and risk factors that may increase your childs risk of suicide.Talk to your child. Talking about suicide will not give your child the idea to attempt suicide. If a friend or other loved one has died, committed suicide, or is extremely ill, talk to your child about it and address their feelings.Tell others. If your child exhibits suicidal thoughts or behaviors, tell their other caretakers and faculty members at school so they can closely monitor your child when youre not around.Keep weapons locked up. Common sense tells you to keep weapons, medications, alcohol, and poisons safely away from children, but this is especially important for children at risk of suicide.Get your child treatment. If your child is depressed or at high risk for depression or another mental illness, its essential to get them treatment. When to Get Immediate Help Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your childs well-being. If you think that your child is in crisis and that they have had a previous suicide attempt, is threatening to harm themselves, or you just have a gut feeling, get your child help immediately. Dont wait. If needed, take your child to a pediatric emergency room. Do not leave them alone. Remove anything in the house they can possibly use to hurt themselves. A Word From Verywell Having a child who is depressed or is suicidal does not make you a bad parent or mean that you did anything to cause their pain. The best thing you can do is to get your child help and support them in their recovery.