Youth Suicide

  Fast Facts
  Warning Signs
  Risk Factors
  What Can I Do?
  Suicide Resources

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It is common for teenagers and young adults to experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, and uncertainty as they grow and develop. Some people believe that all teens are moody, as they often put themselves down, complain that everything is “boring”, and may have negative feelings about themselves. Because of these common experiences and beliefs, it can be often difficult to distinguish between normative, adolescent behaviors and serious problems associated with depression and suicide.

Although suicide in young people may be difficult to predict, nearly every suicide is preceded by some warning. It is therefore necessary for parents, caregivers, teachers, community members, peers, and others to know the warning signs and symptoms of suicide.

A young person who is thinking about killing himself/herself may also use verbal cues such as “I won’t be a problem for you much longer, “ or “It’s no use-nothing matters”. The teen may also give away prized possessions. These signs are serious indicators that an adolescent is thinking about suicide. ALWAYS take a young person seriously if s/he talks about hurting him or herself. Take action! Restrict means! Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, and seek an evaluation from a mental health professional.

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Information on youth suicide was prepared by UNH Center on Adolescence staff and reviewed by Ken Norton, LICSW, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill- New Hampshire

This information was made possible in part through a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation/Madison Fund

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