A Better Relationship for Valentine’s Day

Signs Your Teen Could Benefit From A Session With A Suicide Prevention Counselor

14 July 2020

Vicki Alexander

Sadly, teen suicide is more common than you might think. In 2017, it was the second leading cause of death in those between the ages of 15 and 24. If you have a teen, then it is important to keep an eye on their mindset and temperament. Specifically, if you notice any of the signs below, it is a good idea to have them meet with a suicide prevention counselor before things get any worse.

Substance Abuse 

It's fairly common for teens to experiment with alcohol and drugs. You do not necessarily need to worry about the possibility of suicide if your teen has a few beers at a party or tries cannabis with friends. However, if your teen begins abusing these or other substances regularly, that is usually a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. Your teen may be trying to self-medicate with these substances, which can make matters worse and lead to suicide attempts. It is better to have them talk to someone now rather than wait for them to possibly attempt suicide.

Isolation

Some teens are more social than others, but if your teen is isolating themselves a lot, refusing to spend time with friends and family, and spending most of their time in their bedroom, this can be a sign of serious underlying mental health problems and thoughts of suicide. You can try talking to them about why they're isolating and see if that has any effect. If they are not willing to talk about it or if their behavior does not change after a talk, it's a good idea to seek counseling.

Glorifying Media and Music Related to Suicide

Pay attention to the type of media and music your teen is consuming. If they are listening to a lot of music with lyrics related to suicide or if they are watching a lot of television shows and movies about suicide, this is a sign of what is on their mind. They could be gathering ideas to use on their own, or they could just relate to the melancholy expressed in this media. In any case, it is a good idea to have them talk to a suicide prevention counselor before things get any worse.

Suicide is unfortunately common in teens, but it is preventable. You are a good parent for being concerned, watching out for these signs, and seeking treatment in a preventative way.

To learn more, contact a suicide prevention counselor.

Share