Understanding the Rising Prevalence of Teen Suicide: A Call for Awareness and Action

Over the years there has been a deeply troubling increase in teen suicide rates. Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among adolescents globally, raising serious concerns among parents, educators, and mental health professionals. This alarming trend calls for heightened awareness, open conversations, and immediate action to give teens the desperately needed support. Schools are becoming more cautious about their teens who have talked about suicide, have had suicide ideation, and even mention violent behaviors towards themselves or others. Schools will require clearance from a counselor before teens can return to school.

Why Are Teen Suicide Rates Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the rise in teen suicide rates. It’s important to recognize that suicide is often the result of a complex interplay of emotional, psychological, social, and environmental stressors.

Mental Health Struggles: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are leading contributors to suicide. Many teens’ distressing emotions are dismissed as stress from all their responsibilities, a normal part of development, and them being too sensitive or moody. There has been an increase in teens reporting more symptoms of mental health disorders, especially after COVID-19.

Social Media and Cyberbullying: In the digital age, teens are exposed to constant online pressures, cyberbullying, and social comparison. Negative interactions on social media platforms can exacerbate feelings of isolation, worthlessness, or rejection, which may contribute to suicidal thoughts. With individuals of all ages feeling emboldened hiding behind the screen they will say more cruel and exaggerated insults to their victims.

Academic and Social Pressures: Adolescents are often under significant pressure to perform academically, socially, and in extracurricular activities. These pressures can lead to feelings of inadequacy, particularly when teens feel they are falling short of expectations set by themselves, their families, or society.

Family and Relationship Problems: Dysfunctional family dynamics, abuse, parental divorce, or strained peer relationships can create emotional turmoil in teens. Without a supportive environment, these challenges can amplify feelings of loneliness or hopelessness.

Access to Mental Health Care: Despite growing awareness about the importance of mental health, many teens lack access to adequate mental health care. The stigma surrounding mental health issues may prevent teens from seeking help, while those who do seek help may face long wait times or insufficient resources.

Warning Signs to Watch For

While it is impossible to predict suicide with certainty, there are warning signs that parents, friends, and educators can look out for:

Talking about death or suicide: Teens who express a desire to die or talk about ending their lives should be taken seriously.

Withdrawal from friends or family: A teen becoming increasingly isolated or withdrawn may indicate emotional distress.

Changes in behavior or mood: A sudden shift in behavior, such as increased irritability, anger, or sadness, can signal underlying struggles.

Loss of interest in activities: A teen who loses interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed may be experiencing emotional turmoil.

Changes in sleeping or eating habits: Dramatic changes in sleeping patterns (too much or too little sleep) or eating habits can be indicative of a deeper issue.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the rise in teen suicide requires a community-wide effort that includes parents, educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers.

Foster Open Communication: Parents and caregivers need to create an environment where teens feel safe discussing their feelings. Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversations about emotions, stress, and mental health can be a key step in reducing the stigma surrounding these issues.

Access to Mental Health Resources: Expanding mental health resources. Parents and caregivers can provide teens with opportunities for mental resources at their school and encourage them to speak to therapists. Light the Way has several therapist that are ready to walk toward healing and wholeness with your teen.

Monitor Social Media Use: Parents and educators should be aware of the impact social media can have on teens’ mental health. Encouraging healthy social media habits and setting usage limits can help reduce the negative effects of online interactions. Encourage open communication about social media, the feelings it can trigger and the reality is hiding behind the screen. Educate yourself as a parent about social media by creating an account and seeing what your teen may be seeing, encourage open access depending on the age of your teen, and research all the parental control the app has to offer.

Watch for Warning Signs: It’s important to be vigilant and proactive in identifying warning signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If there is a concern, professional help should be sought immediately.

Teen suicide is a heartbreaking and complex issue, but with increased awareness, education, and open dialogue, we can work to prevent it. We here at Light The Way, can work with you and your family to ensure that teens receive the love, support, and resources they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. By fostering a culture of compassion and mental health awareness, together, we can create a safer, more supportive world for our teens.

About Erica Realpe, MA LMFT

Helping individuals, couples, and families heal and create better relationships. Erica is available in Midland Park and telehealth. Sessions are available in English and Spanish.