Suicide Prevention Information for Teens, Fifth Edition

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–24 in 2022. Teens often face a host of stressors and confusing feelings as they navigate adolescence. The emotions associated with puberty, self-doubt, uncertainty about the future, family problems, and school pressures can be painful and sometimes seem overwhelming. However, suicidal behavior is not a normal response to stress, and mental health professionals emphasize that most teen suicide victims have a mental health disorder, a history of substance abuse, or both. By acknowledging suicide risks and recognizing warning signs, many teens in distress can learn that the feelings leading them to consider suicide are treatable and that there is hope for the future.

Suicide Prevention Information for Teens, Fifth Edition provides up-to-date statistical data on the occurrence of suicide in the United States. It explores various risk factors for suicide, such as bullying, access to lethal means, and barriers to mental health care. The book discusses mental health disorders and life-threatening behaviors linked to suicide risk, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders (SUDs), self-injury, and eating disorders. It offers guidance on recognizing suicide warning signs and explains common treatments for suicidal ideation, such as psychotherapy and specific therapeutic approaches. The book provides tips on recovering from a suicide attempt and supporting someone in recovery. It addresses the bereavement and grief experienced by those affected by a suicide loss and offers coping strategies. Practical strategies to prevent suicide, including promoting connectedness and creating protective environments, are also discussed. Additionally, it lists mental health apps for self-care and suicide prevention and concludes with a directory of resources for further help and information.

Part 1: Understanding Suicide in Teens provides key facts and statistics about suicide, focusing on its occurrence in the United States and specific characteristics such as suicide clusters. It examines the unique risks faced by teens, the relationship between bullying and suicide, and the challenges of discussing suicide within families.

Part 2: Psychiatric Disorders and Life-Threatening Behaviors Linked to Suicide Risk explores psychiatric disorders that are associated with increased suicide risk, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. It discusses the role of substance use disorders, self-harm, and eating disorders in elevating suicide risk among vulnerable populations.

Part 3: Recognizing and Treating Suicidal Ideation focuses on identifying signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens. It outlines various treatment options, including different therapeutic approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family therapy. This part also provides guidance on supporting loved ones after a suicide attempt and emphasizes the importance of self-care for those involved in the recovery process.

Part 4: When Someone Dies by Suicide addresses the emotional and psychological effects of suicide on those left behind, covering topics such as grief, bereavement, and the factors that influence the grieving process. It offers strategies for coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide and highlights the role of postvention in providing support and preventing further tragedies.

Part 5: Preventing Suicide outlines various strategies aimed at preventing suicide, with a strong focus on approaches that are particularly relevant to youth. It discusses the importance of creating protective environments, enhancing social connectedness, and the role of media in suicide prevention. The part also covers workplace involvement in suicide prevention and discusses national and international strategies for suicide prevention.

Part 6: If You Need More Information provides additional resources for those seeking help and a comprehensive directory of organizations that specialize in mental health and suicide prevention.