TEEN SUICIDE www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org Serious about commiting suicide call here: 1-800-SUICIDE Click here for Emergency Numbers 24 hours a day, every day 800.448.3000, or for TDD 800.448.1833 Statistics Warning Signs The statistics contained in this article are gathered from studies done by the National Institute of Mental Health. Persons under 25 account for 15% of all suicides. Between 1952 and 1995, the incidence of suicide among adolescents and young adults nearly tripled. Many who make suicide attempts never seek professional care immediately after the attempt. Suicide was the eighth leading cause of death of all Americans, the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds, behind unintentional injury and homicide. More men than women die by suicide. The gender ratio is 4:1. The risk for suicide among young people is greatest among young white males although the suicide rates increased most rapidly among young black males. 73% of all suicide deaths are white males. 80% of all firearm suicide deaths are white males. Although suicide among young children is a rare event, the dramatic increase in the rate among persons aged 10-14 underscores the urgent need for intensifying efforts to prevent suicide among persons in this age group.. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease, combined. Teen Suicide Warning Signs Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicide attempts have been preceded by clear warning signs. Make sure you know them. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has assembled this list of indications. If one or more of these signs occur, parents should talk to their teenager and seek professional help. If this is an emergency - contact 911. Pay attention to these suicide warning signs: Unusual changes in eating and sleeping habits Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities Excessive drug and alcohol abuse Unusual neglect of personal appearance Marked personality change Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities Not tolerating praise or rewards Complaints of feeling “rotten inside” Giving verbal hints such as “Nothing matters,” “It’s no use,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer” Putting his or her affairs in order by giving or throwing away favorite possessions or belongings. Source: Maureen Empfield, M.D. and Nicholas Bakalar 4:27 How to Save a Life ©2007-2013, www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/brookings/teensuicide.html