Information for Parents about Teen Suicide. Statistics, Warning Signs, and Action steps.

1. Information for Parents
Teen
Suicide

2. •Suicide is the third leading
cause of death among all
people between the ages
of 10-24.
• Approximately 4,600 lives lost each year
• There is a gender difference
• Males comprise 81% of all completed suicides
• Females attempt suicide more often then males
To See More Stats Click Here
The Numbers Show:

3. Learning the
warning signs of
suicide prevention is
a huge part of
preventing a crisis!

4. • Not care about their future: “It won’t matter
soon anyway.”
• Put themselves down: “I don’t deserve to live.”
• Express hopelessness: “Things will never get
better.”
• Say goodbye to important people: “You’re
the best friend I have ever had. I’ll miss you.”
• Have a specific plan: “I’ve thought about
how I’d like to do it.”
• Talk about feeling suicidal: “Life is so hard.
Lately I’ve felt like ending it.”
Have you heard someone…

5. • Using drugs or alcohol more than usual.
• Pulling back from friends and family
• Giving away their most valuable
possessions
• Neglecting their personal appearance
• Losing interest in their favorite things to do
• Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
• Feeling more sick, tired or achy than usual
• Admiring people who have died by suicide
• Planning for death by writing a will or letter
Have you noticed someone…

6. If you recognize
these signs in
someone you
know, please take
action.

7. • Remain calm.
• Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about
suicide.
• Focus on their wellbeing and avoid being accusatory.
• Listen.
• Reassure them there is help and they will not feel this
way forever.
• Do not judge.
• Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the youth
alone.
• Remove means for self-harm.
• Seek help.
• 1-877-695-NEED (6333)
Local Crisis Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Take Action…

8. • The most common
method of successful
suicide among young
adults is firearms.
• Take careful measures
to ensure the teen has
no access to weapons
if you have concerns
they are suicidal.
• Take all available
steps to restrict that
person’s access to
things like
knives, rope, medicati
on and alcohol.
Take any
suicidal
thought
seriously.
Even if the
teen seems
to have the
perfect life.
BE AWARE:

9. At some point, we all face difficulties, such as family
problems, loss, illness or crisis. Being resilient is an important part of
dealing with adversity. Parents can help their children learn to face
challenges successfully.
• Think Positive: Modeling positive attitudes and emotions is very
important. Children need to hear parents being determined to
reach a goal.
• Express love and gratitude: Praise should always occur more often
than criticism. Children and adolescents who are cared for, loved
and supported learn to express positive emotions to others and
buffers against depression.
• Express yourself: Parents who help kids become more aware of
emotions, label emotions appropriately, and help children deal
with upsetting events are giving them useful life skills.
• Get Fit: Good physical health prepares the body and mind to be
more resilient. Healthy eating habits, regular exercise and
adequate sleep help protect kids against the stress of tough
situations.
• Foster competency: Children who achieve academic success and
who develop individual talents, such as playing
sports, drawing, dancing, or building things are much more likely to
be able to deal with stress positively.
Build Resiliency in Your Child…

10. Jane B. Conn, VFC Director
Megan Crouch, VFC Prevention Education Coordinator
Pat Clark, VFC Prevention Education
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Find us at:
www.arcshelter.org
www.facebook.com/ViolenceFreeCoalition
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT CLICK HERE!
“This publication/material was supported by the 5VF1CE001114-3 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessary represent the official views of the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention”