Tips To Prevent Suicidal Thoughts In Adolescents

Life is changing at an exponential rate, physically, mentally, and emotionally for adolescents all over the world. Many adolescents miss important developmental milestones, which contributes to feelings of loss and psychological distress which in turn leads them to suicidal thoughts. 

These days adolescents and teens face life changes that can put them in turmoil. Discontinuing their education, losing their passions, health problems, and a variety of other life events can all have an impact on their emotional and physical functioning, especially leading them to anxiety and depression. 

Anxiety and depression in teenagers and adolescents are not medically separated. However, the symptoms of these diseases may manifest differently in teenagers than in adults, yet both result in suicide ideation.  Are you perplexed? Why?

This situation happens in teens and adolescents could be because of the various developmental and social obstacles that teenagers confront, such as hormone changes, maturing brains and bodies, and peer pressure.

Unfortunately, life can get the best of people at any age, especially adolescents. Some people consider suicide as their only option when difficult times result in depression or anxiety. But there is hope because it is possible to stop suicide. Hence here is my collection of the top five strategies that can help you or anyone who is going through suicidal thoughts. 

Suicidal Risk Factors In Adolescents and Young Adults

According to the WHO, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 19. It is critical to understand that suicide is never the answer, even if the answer doesn’t seem obvious as anyone struggles through a difficult time.

During the path of growth, i.e, adolescence, it is normal to face obstacles. At these times, a few emotions like depression and anxiety begin to over dwelling in their minds causing suicidal thoughts. But how do these thoughts ideate in their minds? 

What is a suicidal Ideation? 

Suicidal ideation occurs when you consider killing yourself. The thoughts may or may not include a plan to commit suicide.

Suicidal ideation is sometimes referred to as “suicidal thoughts.” Not everyone who has suicidal thoughts acts on them. However, if you or a loved one has any signs of it, you should seek help or guide them immediately. 

It’s impossible to tell if a young person will become suicidal. However, there are some factors that put them at greater risk. Suicide risk increases after recent or significant losses. The death of a family member, friend, or even a pet is an example of a loss. Other types of losses are also risk factors. Divorced parents, homelessness, and breakups are all risk factors.

Other risk factors are mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Suicide attempts in the past and a family history of suicide may. Body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, any kind of abuse, corporal punishments, emotionally unavailable parents, and unsupportive friends can also trigger severe reactions in an adolescent mind.

However, there are some aspects of a teen’s life that may help protect them from suicide. For example, teens and young adults who feel loved and supported are less likely to consider suicide. That also applies to teens and young adults who have access to good healthcare and mental health care. Importantly, teens and young adults having guardians who identify the struggle and are willing to seek assistance when their child requires also reduces their risk of suicidal Ideation.

What is a suicidal Ideation? 

Suicidal ideation occurs when you consider killing yourself. The thoughts may or may not include a plan to commit suicide.

Suicidal ideation is sometimes referred to as “suicidal thoughts.” Not everyone who has suicidal thoughts acts on them. However, if you or a loved one has any signs of it, you should seek help or guide them immediately. 

Symptoms of Suicidal Behaviour

Adolescents at risk of suicide have the following tendencies:

1. Anger
2. Irritability
3. Changes in academic or work-related performance
4. Withdrawal
5. Comments on death and dying, feeling worthless, or depressed
6. Disinterest in activities

Hence, it is always critical to begin the healing process by assisting teens and adolescents in finding hope and understanding their emotional struggles. Understanding at home is important but the treatment should be directly from a professional as they help you understand and heal soon. 

5 Actions To Caress Adolescents’ With Suicidal Thoughts 

So, what will you do if you or a loved one fits the proexacerbatefile of a young suicidal person? You can help them by performing the actions listed below.

1. Recognize negative emotions and offer support.

Provide support, seek support if you or your loved ones are going through a difficult time. Hear out their concerns and let them know you’re here to help. Look for ways to offer spiritual and personal support, as well as inform them about coping techniques that can be helpful in the situation.

2. Be open and honest

This pandemic caused isolation among people and has shown us its potential to worsen existing problems. Hence, ask your loved ones about their well-being and address their feelings periodically. Furthermore, narrate your difficult past experiences and put forth the path to overcome their hardships. 

3. Encourage social interactions

Identify ways to connect more as a family and create virtual or in-person social experiences with trusted friends while adhering to safe distancing guidelines. Opportunities to connect with peers and family members can help your teen transition from feeling lonely and helpless to being loved and listened to. 

“After all, humanity and emotions stand upright before the rest!”

4. Ask questions and have conversations.

Indeed, it is hard to see our loved ones undergo the hurdled phase of adolescence. Not to worry, just approach them with a warm smile and embrace them with conversation like “It is ok to feel this way, but not worth hurting yourself”. If your adolescent confirms their state of mind, don’t minimize the situation.  how you can assist, express your concerns about his or her feelings, and seek professional assistance.

5. Look for expert assistance.

There are numerous treatment options available to people having suicidal thoughts. More than 90% of suicides are caused by one or more treatable mental illnesses. Even if the underlying cause is not a mental illness, coping techniques and emotional support are tried-and-true methods of assisting those in need. In addition, Clinical intervention for suicidal thoughts is a direct attempt to prevent a person from intentionally being a threat to their own life. Hence, it is always advised to talk to a professional, to rule out the concerns.

Never hesitate to approach for assistance: International Suicide Hotlines 

Conclusion

Suicide is a multifaceted problem, so it needs to be handled multifaceted. Mostly, adolescents and teens are the victims of suicide, it is critical that they share their concerns with you and be heard. If you see your loved ones with alarming signs of suicide, just approach, listen, and fortify. 

No matter what role we play, whether we are members of society, children, parents, friends, colleagues, or people with lived experience, let’s support those experiencing or bereaved by suicide.

Hence, for this “World Suicide Prevention Day” Always give a note to your teens and adolescents about overcoming suicidal thoughts and tell them: “Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? That is called purpose. You’re alive for a reason and don’t ever give up”