Suicide in teenagers

Death by suicide is one of the most tragic ways for a life to end. It is particularly distressing for friends and relatives when a young person takes their own life.

Most young people who commit suicide have the illness known as depression. This illness, which affects about one person in 5 at some point in their lives, can often be treated successfully once it is recognised. For this reason it is important for those in regular contact with teenagers to recognise the signs of depression, so that help can be sought.

Depression in adults is often fairly obvious. Sleep disturbance, poor appetite, low self-esteem, a gloomy outlook on life and tearfulness are typical symptoms. Teenagers may also show some of these clues to depression, but often it is not so obvious. Excessive irritability, boredom, social withdrawal, dropping out of sports and other activities, and worsening school performance are some signs that a teenager may be depressed.

It may be hard to distinguish these warning symptoms from the ‘ups-and-downs’ which are a part of most teenagers' lives. In depression these features are usually present constantly, with few, if any, good periods in between, and cause significant interference in their school, social, work and family functioning.

Which teenagers are at risk of suicide?

Some teenagers are more at risk of depression and suicide than others. They include those with relatives who have similar problems, those living in an unhappy family environment and those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol (which plays a significant part in many young peoples' suicides).

Aggressive, impulsive boys, particularly those who are ‘loners’, are at risk, and so are some very high-achievers who may have perfectionist personalities and be under constant pressure to do even better.

There are many myths about suicide. The popular belief that ‘those that talk about it don't do it’ is dangerously wrong. Such an episode must always be taken seriously. It is also dangerous to dismiss a non-fatal suicide attempt as ‘attention-seeking’. Many people who lose their lives to suicide have attempted suicide previously.

Dealing with teenagers can be very difficult at the best of times. If you are aware of a young person who seems constantly unhappy or bad tempered, don't be afraid to ask them about how they are feeling. Often just knowing that someone cares is enough to let them unburden their problems, and may prevent tragedy.

If you or someone you know is depressed and having suicidal thoughts, see your doctor, seek help from a health support group, such as those featured below, or phone one of the national helplines in the box below.

Mental health and depression resources for teenagers

For more general, non-urgent information and resources for teenagers and young people on mental health and depression, see the websites in this table.

Your Doctor. Dr Michael Jones, Medical Editor.
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Last Reviewed: 16 December 2009