Preventing Teen Suicide

If you're a teenager looking for help, there is something for you here too, so read on--the main thing you need to know is that there are people who care about you.

If you're someone concerned about teens in trouble, I hope you find the resources you need here.

Do you have a story to tell or a question to ask on this important topic?

Here is your opportunity to get free help, or to offer support to others. We want to hear from you!

First, we'll try to understand some of the causes of this devastating problem, and then we'll look at some solutions. Consider these possible factors leading up to teen suicide, and see if they make sense to you:

• Lack of a meaningful, loving connection with a parent or parents, teachers or other significant adults. Even though some adolescents might act like they don't want or need a connection, they do--desperately.
• Failure to establish a positive identity, which can lead teens to identify with groups that think suicide is "cool," along with other disturbed thinking.



• Severe, unnoticed, untreated depression can most certainly lead to teen suicide. This can result from a variety of causes, including inward-directed anger.
• Isolation, disconnection and despair are common causes. Some teens are not only disconnected from the adults in their lives, but fail to bond with their peers as well. This can be a dangerous combination.
• Situational stress, such as too much pressure to perform academically or socially can lead to self-destructive behavior and even teen suicide.

And how does all of this relate to anger? Good question! Let's look at some answers:

• Suicide is a very violent act. It is complex, because the victim and the perpetrator are the same person. There is alwasy anger in violence.
• The thought-process of the suicidal teen might be something like, "They don't care about me. I'll show them. Let's see how they feel after I'm dead." You can certainly see the anger in there.
• When teens learn to express their anger in healthy ways, they are able to deal with what is bothering them. Often we find that depressed teens do not express their anger at all, or they take it out on themselves.

Anger In Teens

• All self-destructive behavior in teens, including teen suicide and suicidal thoughts and behavior, are a message to the world around the teen to pay attention--there's something wrong here! It could be seen as a desparate expression of anger saying, "Hey! Notice me!"


• The main idea here is that you want to teach teens to be their own best anger management resource.

Much of this boils down to love. Children who feel loved in a healthy, consistent way do not usually get depressed or suicidal. So, one of the best things you can do as an adult (if you are), is learn about parenting teenagers and teen anger management.

I know this is a big problem to tackle, but the life of the teen in your life is worth it! And you've got what it takes to offer the help and support they need. Let's look at some things you can do.

Now let's get down to it. There are a lot of things you can do that will help. I'm going to list a few, then I want you to add to the list yourself. You can even share your ideas on this site if you like, so that others might benefit. Here are some starting points:

• Just hang out with them. Do the things they like to do with them (not drinking, drugs or sex, of course). If they're into video games, show an interest without judgment, just to get to know the teen better, what they like and what they think about. Don't judge! Your judgement will just push them farther into their problem.
• Invite them to do things with you, even though you don't think they'll want to. The key here is that you're the grownup, and you can't give up on them. You keep showing your love, including them, inviting them and doing what you think is right, no matter what!
• Be yourself, don't try to be "cool" or fit in with the teenagers. It won't work, and they'll respect you more for just being yourself, no matter how "uncool" that might be.
• Don't underestimate the power of your love, respect and positive attention for preventing teen suicide. Teens need this from you, whether they know it or act like it or not. Teen suicide is much less likely to happen around adults who are involved and connected.
• Be a spiritual role model, without laying your religion on them. Do the right things in your own life, according to your beliefs and spiritual values. This makes all the difference in the world.

Movement from childhood to adulthood is a big deal, and sometimes it's a very rough ride for adolescents, that could result in the risk of teen suicide and other serious problems.

Rites of passage ceremonies are designed to help teens through this transition, and you can learn to create them yourself. This could be one of the greatest gifts you give to the teens in your life. Get your copy of this CD program or audio download now, and get started.

Okay, that's it for now. But don't stop here. Check out the other resources on this site, and keep going. Don't give up on your teens and don't give up on yourself, no matter what! If you are needing help youself, be sure you visit our products page. And get even more help for your teens on KidsHealth.org.

P.S. Did you know that you are a champion, just for getting to this point on this page? You're dedicated, concerned and you have a good heart, or you wouldn't have bothered to read this far about preventing teen suicide. One of the best things you can do for the teens in your life is to love yourself!

Return to Healing Anger.

Have A Story Or A Question
About Teen Anger?

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Feel free to also review our FAQ page (frequently asked questions), to see if your question has already been answered.

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