Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens, but being educated on risk factors, warning signs and prevention can help you protect the kids in your life.

At Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, we are dedicated to stopping youth suicide and supporting the mental health of the children and teens in our community. Our adolescent medicine and pediatric behavioral health clinicians offer information and resources for parents, guardians and other adults as well as comprehensive mental health care for kids of all ages.

Youth suicide risk factors

The reasons behind suicide and suicidal thoughts vary, but there are certain factors that may put children and teenagers at higher risk, including:

  • Access to guns or drugs
  • Continuous stress or a specific traumatic life event
  • Death of a loved one
  • Developmental issues (which can lead to same-day suicide in teens with no prior mental health issues)
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Mental illness (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or others)
  • Past or current abuse, trauma or neglect
  • Previous suicide attempts

While these may put a child or teenager at higher risk, not all kids who identify with the risk factors above will attempt suicide.

Warning signs of youth suicide

Children and teenagers who are considering suicide may:

  • Exhibit sudden changes in mood or behavior
  • Experience a change in appetite
  • Frequently bring up death in conversation or focus on it in writing assignments or art pieces
  • Give away their things or contact friends and family to say goodbye
  • Participate in self-harm, such as cutting themselves
  • Seem unusually irritable, hostile or depressed
  • Show less interest in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy
  • Sleep more or less than usual
  • Spend less time with friends and family members
  • Talk about wanting to die or disappear
  • Use drugs or alcohol or participate in other reckless activities

Preventing suicide in children and teens

If you notice that a child or teenager in your life is showing the warning signs above, or if they generally don’t seem like themselves, it’s best to check in with them and ask how they are feeling. Don’t be afraid to mention suicide and ask if they have thought of hurting themselves. It's important for adults to have frequent, honest conversations with children and allow them to express their honest thoughts and feelings, especially when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention.

As a parent, the most important thing is making sure your child feels comfortable talking to you and reassuring them that you love and will support them when they make mistakes.

It’s also important for adults to understand teen development and the many concerns kids in this age group experience. In addition to mental health conditions, other concerns like acne, menstrual problems, eating disorders, athletic/academic competition, bullying and social issues can contribute to youth suicide.

Youth suicide prevention through Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital

The Children’s Hospital’s Adolescent Medicine Program offers specialized care for the unique reproductive/sexual, developmental, intellectual, social and emotional concerns that can contribute to youth suicide. If your child is age 10 or older, our adolescent medicine experts can provide them with comprehensive and preventive care throughout their teenage years and into young adulthood.

However, if your child or teenager tells you that they are struggling with their mental health, have been having suicidal thoughts or have participated in self-harm, it’s best to make them an appointment with one of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital’s child and adolescent psychiatrists. These clinicians can evaluate your child’s risk and recommend a care plan specific to them.

If your child tells you they have a plan for committing suicide or you suspect they are in danger of doing so, it is best to bring them to the Breidegam Family Children’s ER (or your closest ER) for urgent evaluation and support.

National resources

  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    This national network of crisis centers offers free and confidential support to individuals in emotional distress or facing a suicidal crisis.
    Available 24/7: Call 988 or click here for web-based messaging.
  • Crisis Text Line
    This resource provides free, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention with trained volunteers.
    Available 24/7: Text “HOME” or “TALK” to 741-741 or click here for web-based messaging.
  • The Trevor Project
    This organization is dedicated to ending suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. It offers free and confidential support from a crisis counselor via text, phone call and web chat.
    Available 24/7: Text “START” to 678-678, call 1-866-488-7386 or click here for web-based messaging.