As someone who deals with family and teen suicide every day of the year, you might think I would be glad that one month a year is dedicated to Suicide Prevention Awareness, with schools hopefully holding at least one educational program on the topic. But sadly, this isn’t enough.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, just behind accidents, surpassing even illnesses and cancer. How heartbreaking is this? It’s estimated that more than 40% of all high school seniors have considered suicide at least once during their high school years. We already know that teenagers, mainly due to social media, feel more isolated than any other generation in American history. So, how did we get to the point where depression and stress among teens have become so overwhelming?
And now, as the school year begins again, it brings with it the usual stressors: strained friendships, new classes and teachers, and, for seniors, the pressure of knowing this is their last year before meeting their parents’ expectations for college.
What to Look For in Your Teen
Here are some signs to watch for that might indicate your teen is struggling:
- Social isolation: Withdrawing from friendships, classes, studying, fun activities, family time, and more.
- A sense of giving up.
- Not caring anymore.
- Too much or too little sleep.
- Changes in eating habits.
- Giving up activities they once enjoyed.
- A persistent feeling of gloom and doom.
- A general lack of energy or enthusiasm.
- Irritability and anger over seemingly small issues.
These are all signs of depression or pre-depression. Remember, suicide is often a tragic outcome of unresolved depression.
Steps You Can Take as the School Year Begins
If you notice any of these signs, there are steps you can take to support your teen:
- Open up the lines of communication: Have in-depth conversations with your teen. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts without judgment.
- Create phone-free zones at mealtimes: Make family meals a time for real connection by keeping cell phones away. Avoid distractions like calling relatives or other siblings during dinner.
- Get to know your teen’s friends: Find out who they are, and take an interest in how they’re handling school and life in general.
- Stay informed about your teen’s schedule: Discuss their daily activities and routines. Showing interest helps them feel supported.
- Spend quality time together: Take a walk with your teen weekly, creating a non-judgmental space where they can talk openly.
- Utilize car rides for conversations: When driving together, have your teen sit in the front seat and keep the radio and phones off. Use this time to connect and talk.
- Share the Teen Texting Crisis Hotline number: Encourage your teen to text BRIGHTER to 741741 if they need someone to talk to. This service offers up to 40 minutes of texting support, almost all day.
- Know the school counselor’s name and contact information: Keep this information handy in case you need to reach out for help.
- Reassure your teen of your availability: Let them know you’re there for them, every day of the week, no matter what.
I wish you all the best as the school year begins. Keep those lines of communication strong by asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in your teen’s life.
All the best,
Elliot Kallen
President
