With suicide risk on the rise, children and teens need our support
You should know:
A national survey of high school students in the spring of 2020 found that nearly a third reported that they were unhappy and depressed “much more than usual” in the past month. More than half reported feeling uncertainty about the future.
Firearms play a significant role in youth suicide. From 2008-2018, firearm suicides increased 51% for 15-24 year olds and 214% for 10-14 year olds, highlighting the importance of keeping firearms locked away from children.
One of my daughters turned 15 last summer. She had big plans for 15 — getting a job, going places with friends, getting her pointe shoes, participating in student council and attending all of the activities that are part of the usual high school experience. Many of those plans will have to wait because the pandemic and its restrictions continue to drag on. She regularly talks about wanting to go back to school and have friends spend the night.
While adults’ mental health has certainly been affected by the pandemic, we are realizing that it is having much more of a negative impact on the mental health of children and adolescents.
The developmental goal of a teenager is to find his or her identity by regularly interacting with peers and developing relationships with adults other than their parents, like teachers, coaches, etc. Also, younger children need to master additional and complex skills — which come with regularly being out of the home and in the company of others — in order to feel competent. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, children and teenagers are not having the experiences that are developmentally necessary for them to grow.
Youth with already underlying mental health conditions may have their conditions worsen. They may feel more isolated and hopeless than previously or have lost educational support that they normally receive at school. Where family conflict is prevalent, many parents and children are no longer able to take “breaks” from one another, breaks that were previously provided through schools, employment or respite services. Youth who have lost family or friends to COVID are also vulnerable.
Prior to the pandemic, youth suicide was already at an all-time high, and it remains the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24. Experts believe that youth suicide has increased during the pandemic, but because suicide data is two years behind, we won’t know the effects for sure until we are well past the pandemic.
Suicide isn’t always planned in advance. Because their brains are not yet fully developed (and won’t be until around age 25), children and teenagers display much more impulsive behavior than adults and can have extreme reactions to life’s disappointments, such as a break-up or having electronics taken away for poor behavior. The decision to kill oneself after experiencing one of these disappointments can be made in an instant. Accidental suicide can also occur, such as accidental overdoses by youth who use substances to numb their pain or cutting too deep when attempting to self-harm without suicidal thoughts.
By being aware of how youth may be suffering through this pandemic and taking steps to support the mental health and safety of children and teens, you can guard against both planned and accidental suicide.
What can you do to help prevent youth suicide?
Watch for warning signs that include:
Changes in eating or sleeping habits or personal hygiene
Isolation and/or social withdrawal
Extreme irritability, anger and/or mood swings
Feelings of hopelessness
Lack of interest in activities
Increased alcohol or drug use
Statements such as “I’m such a burden” or “Everyone would be better off I was dead.”
Check in on the children and teens that you know. Ask them how they are feeling about the pandemic and its effects. Validate those thoughts and feelings.
Share some of your thoughts and feelings about the pandemic and remind your youth that it is temporary.
Help your child/teenager find something to look forward to.
Set limits and boundaries on electronics. (I know this isn’t easy, especially when I could easily watch Netflix during my down time. I try to encourage my Sims- and TikTok-loving teenage girls to walk the dog or play a board game with me.)
Ensure that firearms or other potentially life-threatening items (medication, knives) are locked up and kept out of reach.
If your child is showing signs of depression (irritability in children and teens) or anxiety, seek help by contacting a therapist. Teletherapy is now widely available.
Trust your gut! If you think your child might be thinking about suicide, ask about it directly. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” is the best question you can ask.
Take any statements regarding self-harm or suicide seriously and seek help immediately. (Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.)
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call or text 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or chat on the website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
Debbie Smith, LMSW, is director of Oakland Family Services’ Specialized Services for Youth (SSY) program. She has been a leader of SSY since its creation in 2010 and is a fierce advocate for the mental health of children, teens and families. Debbie is the mother of two daughters and a graduate of Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.
