Youth Suicide and Mental Health: Risk Factors, Warning Signs and Preventive Actions

America's Got Talent contestant Emily Gold is gone at age 17.

Mere weeks after her high school dance team received a standing ovation on the popular show, on September 13, 2024, she died by suicide.

Suicide is rising among 10-24-year-olds.

It is the second leading cause of death for that age group. Nearly 10% of American high schoolers attempted suicide last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Suicide cannot and should not be discussed in hushed tones. It is time to talk openly about it with your teens to be sure they are not struggling at school, with their friends, on social media, or even at home.

Adolescence, in and of itself, is a period of significant risk for increased mental health concerns. It is a time of marked change, both physically and mentally. Our brains continue to develop well into our early twenties, especially the areas controlling:

• Problem-solving
• Emotional processing
• Self-regulation

The emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to heightened rates of depression and anxiety among kids, along with a sharp rise in teen suicides and attempts. The challenge is even worse for children living in low-income households, as many face difficult living conditions and related social and racial inequities. Bullying, racism, and social media are contributing factors across the board.

Teens are particularly vulnerable to substance use disorder (SUD). SUD increases the risk of mental health challenges that could lead to more suicidal thinking, especially for those struggling with other risk factors, including social isolation and loneliness.

Violence also increases the chance of suicide. People exposed to adverse childhood experiences often struggle with trauma for the rest of their lives.

Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and be ready to take the preventive actions to help save lives and support those in need.

• If your gut is telling you something may be wrong, pay close attention.
• The number one suicide warning sign is when those under duress mention it. Don’t ignore that. Whether the talk is about suicide, death, hopelessness, not wanting to be alive, or having no reason to live, these topics are all red flags signaling it is time for professional evaluation.
• If there is an immediate crisis or concern, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline or take the person suffering to a hospital emergency room. If that person is resistant but appears to be in crisis, call 911. This is not a time to worry about crossing a personal boundary or whether someone will become angry.

Give them hope. Support them and let them know you are listening without judgment. Help lead them to get the help they need.

You just may save a life.

For more information on suicide risks, warnings, and prevention, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.