If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, Saber Psychiatry can help. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry offers this information about young people and suicide:
Among teenagers, suicide attempts may be associated with feelings of stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, disappointment, and loss. For some teens, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems.
Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The child or adolescent needs to have their illness recognized, diagnosed, and appropriately treated with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts are often associated with depression. In addition to depression, other risk factors include:
- family history of suicide attempts
- exposure to violence
- impulsivity
- aggressive or disruptive behavior
- access to firearms
- bullying
- feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- acute loss or rejection
Children and adolescents thinking about suicide may make openly suicidal statements, such as, “I wish I was dead,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.” Other warning signs associated with suicide can include:
- changes in eating or sleeping habits
- frequent or pervasive sadness
- withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
- frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- a decline in the quality of schoolwork
- preoccupation with death and dying
Young people thinking about suicide may also stop planning for or discussing the future. They may begin to give away important possessions.
Call Us Today!
Saber Psychiatry specializes in evaluating and treating children and adult psychiatric disorders. We are currently accepting new patients ages 2 to 65. Call 615.678.7839 to schedule an appointment.