Adolescent Suicide Risk Factors, Warning Signs and Protective Factors

Adolescent suicide can be a painful topic to face, but parents and guardians must learn to recognize the warning signs to protect their loved ones. Young people continue to report struggles with their emotional and social lives, and as youth suicide rates rise, parents should learn about resources for help. 

As you’ll learn throughout this article, suicidal statements are one of several signs that your teen may be at risk of attempting to take their life. As a parent, you should always take these statements seriously. Some of the other signs are more subtle but just as critical to notice and address. Given the right help, your teen can see that their life is indeed worth living.

In This Article

• Important Definitions
• Statistics About Suicide
• Suicide Causes and Risk Factors
  • Individual Risk Factors
  • Relationship Risk Factors
  • Community Risk Factors
  • Societal Risk Factors
• Passive Suicidal Ideation
• What Are the Signs of Suicidal Thoughts?
  • Behavioral Warning Signs
  • Physical Warning Signs
  • Cognitive Warning Signs
  • Psychosocial Warning Signs
• How Is Suicidal Ideation Diagnosed?
• How Can You Prevent Suicidal Ideation?
• Teen Suicide Protective Factors
  • The Ability to Problem-Solve
  • Strong Interpersonal Connections and Support System
  • Difficulty Accessing Lethal Items
  • Healthy Cultural or Religious Beliefs
  • Easier Access to Intervention
  • Effective Behavioral Health Care
  • Healthy Habits
  • Interests and Hobbies
  • Healthy Coping Skills
• What to Do if Your Child or Teen Is Suicidal
  • Remove Substances From the Premises
  • Talk to Them
  • Connect With Professionals
• Resources for Immediate Help
• Contact Hillside® to Help Your Teen Experience a Life Worth Living

Important Definitions

Suicide encompasses the following terms.

• Suicide: Death caused by injuring oneself with an explicit or inferred intent to die.
• Suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts: Having thoughts, ideas or plans to end one’s life. Suicidal ideation can be passive or active. People usually express passive suicidal ideations in terms of wishing to be dead, not wanting to wake up or not wanting to be alive. However, they do not intend to follow through. Active suicidal ideation usually involves expressing the desire to end one’s life with specific plans and means. 
• Suicide attempt: Nonfatal self-injurious behavior with stated or inferred intent to die.
• Suicidal ideation: Suicidal ideation is when someone has fleeting or recurring thoughts about wanting to die but isn’t necessarily planning to commit suicide. Still, you should take ideation seriously as a symptom of a young person’s suicidal thoughts.

Self-injury or self-harming behaviors are not always suicide attempts. Some people purposely hurt themselves without intending to die. This behavior is usually called non-suicidal self-injury. However, engagement in NSSI can be one of the predictors of future suicide.

It is common for parents to feel unequipped to help their children. The onset of puberty can exacerbate the emotional and social turmoil felt during the adolescent years. However, there is hope. The first step is to recognize what’s going on under the surface. Learn the warning signs of suicidal thinking in youth to decide when to get your child professional help.

Statistics About Suicide

Suicide is a national crisis that has impacted countless individuals, couples and families. Our country has seen a 36% increase in suicide rates between 2000 and 2021, and suicide affects people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the suicide rate for people aged 10 to 24 rose 57.4% between 2007 and 2018, and it was the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14 in 2021. 

These numbers become even more severe when you consider adolescents dealing with depression or substance use disorders. Around half of youth who take their lives have depression, and people with alcohol or opioid use disorders may be more susceptible to suicidal ideation, attempts or death. 

Today, more than ever, we understand that youth doesn’t lessen the danger of suicidal thoughts or gestures. These heartbreaking statistics are a stark warning that everyone should be aware of the risk of suicide. Without adequate treatment, teens may act on their suicidal thoughts, potentially leading to severe injury, further family trauma and death. You could save a life by recognizing and acting on the signs of a suicidal child or adolescent. 

Suicide Causes and Risk Factors

Many parents of youth with life-threatening behaviors or thoughts of suicide struggle to understand what caused their child’s suicidal ideation. Thoughts of suicide often stem from an inability to cope with a specific situation or life in general. Those without hope for the future may latch onto the idea that suicide is the only way out. This preoccupation, or “tunnel vision,” during a crisis is the leading cause of suicidal ideation. 

Adolescent and teen suicide risk factors are variables or experiences that could make a young person more likely to think about attempting suicide. More risk factors present in a teen’s life could raise their chances of viewing suicide as the answer to their problems and struggles. Becoming aware of these risk factors can help you, as a parent or guardian, take the next step toward suicide prevention and the road toward recovery for your child.

Consider some of the following suicide causes risk factors for young people.

Why Do Teens Think About Suicide?

The preteen and teenage years are turbulent. Children experience extreme changes to their bodies, environment and role within their family and friend groups. Things like low self-esteem, embarrassment, uncertainty, shame or fear may cloud their judgment and problem-solving skills — suicide may feel like the easiest, fastest or most logical solution. Stigmatization is another issue. Teens may feel like they risk their social status or risk labeling themselves if they seek help or vocalize their feelings. They become hopeless, which compounds with their mental health concerns until everything feels too overwhelming to handle alone.

When you add all these factors to the physical, social and emotional changes of puberty, self-comparison on social media and co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, it’s easy to see why teenagers are prone to suicidal ideation — especially bullying victims or those struggling with their gender or sexual identities. Reports also show that ideation is twice as prevalent in females than in males, especially those with other mood or behavioral concerns.

Individual Risk Factors

Individual risk factors might include the following.

• A mental health condition: Having a mental illness or condition like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts, especially for teens without healthy coping skills. As many as 49.5% of youth may struggle with an untreated mental health condition, so parents need to understand the necessity of mental health treatment for youth.
• Previous suicide attempts: Prior suicide attempts can increase a teen’s risk of future attempts. 
• Substance use: Substance use is a contributing factor to depression and other psychiatric concerns, and it also contributes to the number of suicide attempts each year. Often, drugs, alcohol, depression and life-threatening behaviors in teens go hand-in-hand.

Relationship Risk Factors

Several adverse relationship experiences could contribute to risk. 

• A recent loss: Adolescence is a vulnerable stage of life. Losing a family member, having a friend move away or experiencing the passing of a beloved pet can be a profound loss, leading to thoughts of suicide if left untreated. 
• Unaccepting or unsupportive environments: A lack of social support and acceptance can drive teens into a state of isolation which can increase their risk of suicide, especially in teens whose home or social life do not validate their sexual orientation or gender identity. Unsupportive environments could also cause teens to avoid asking for help for fear adults won’t take them seriously.
• Family history of suicide: A family history of suicide can increase a person’s risk of self-harm and other damaging behaviors. One study found that genetics might account for as much as 50% of the risk. 
• Bullying: Bullies and their targets are at elevated risk for teen suicide. 
• Lack of social support: Not having a support system can lead to isolation and loneliness. Teens might feel like they have nowhere to turn in tricky situations, sometimes leading to helplessness and the belief that suicide is the only answer. 
• Relationship trauma: Traumatic events in a teen’s life — such as domestic violence, neglect or abuse — can all lead to self-harm and suicidal ideation. Be observant of those who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events in childhood or adolescence. 

Community Risk Factors

These community factors may impact suicide risk.

• Barriers to lifesaving services: Unreliable transportation, a lack of bilingual providers and the financial burden of paying for services are all obstacles that might prevent teens from getting the help they need.
• Community violence: Experiencing community violence may increase a young person’s risk of suicide. 
• Discrimination: For example, one report shows a link between racial discrimination and high suicide rates. 
• Stress of acculturation: Acculturation is the process of assimilating to a different — usually dominant — culture. Acculturation may lead to an increased risk of suicide-related outcomes. 

Societal Risk Factors

What are some societal factors that may increase adolescent or teen suicide risk?

• Access to lethal items: If your teen has easy access to items like pills or firearms, they could be in danger of using them if their thoughts lead in that direction. 
• Stigma: Due to the societal stigma attached to asking for help, teens can often feel ashamed talking about their depression or suicidal thoughts and do not seek counseling.
• Social media: Young people who use social media are three times as likely to have depression, and 6% of teenagers who reported suicidal thoughts traced them back to Instagram. 
• COVID-19: Many adolescents have experienced profound losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Others felt their wellness worsened due to school closures and event cancellations. Everyone’s experience has been different, but COVID-19 has caused new and worsening mental health concerns, including depression, which has led to an increased risk of suicide in teens, especially females.

Passive Suicidal Ideation

Teens experiencing passive suicidal ideation may fantasize about different ways they could die, self-inflicted or otherwise. While risky or self-destructive behavior can be easy to spot, ideation exists on a spectrum that ranges in severity and frequency. It’s not always possible to tell if someone has these feelings — which makes it all the more severe. Passive thoughts can quickly transition into more concrete ideas. Even if ideation never progresses beyond thoughts of dying, it still signifies negative mental health outcomes.

Anyone can experience passive ideation, and research suggests younger children may experience this phenomenon more than older ones. Here are some risk factors for ideation in teens.

• Co-occurring conditions: Underlying or co-occurring health conditions are primary causes of suicidal ideation and can worsen your teen’s chance of experiencing it. Examples include learning disorders and mood disorders like depression.
• A history of trauma: Exposure to traumatic experiences can lead to suicidal ideation, including physical and sexual abuse. Low parental monitoring also links with thoughts of suicide, self-harm and suicidal actions.
• Life stressors: Loss of a loved one, family conflict, a big move, increased workload at school or divorce create the perfect environment for passive thoughts to thrive. Internalizing these problems also heightens the risk.
• Medications: Some medications, like antidepressants, may cause thoughts of suicide, especially in the first few weeks after starting a new prescription or adjusting the dosage. Always talk to your child’s doctor if they experience this side effect — alternative treatments may be available.
• Substance misuse: Misusing substances like alcohol can have several adverse mental health outcomes on a teen’s developing mind. Substances can also disrupt treatment for suicidal ideation by worsening thoughts or lowering inhibitions.

What Are the Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescent Youth?

After determining if your child is at risk based on the lists above, look for warning signs of life-threatening behaviors, including suicidal thoughts and actions. Youth often hide their emotional turmoil behind smiles and simple statements of “I’m fine” when asked how they’re doing. This brave face often makes it difficult to suspect their internal struggles or can cause them to appear disengaged. 

While some signals may be easier to see than others, you must maintain open lines of communication with your child, especially if you have any suspicions of suicidal ideation. 

What are the warning signs of suicidal thoughts in youth? Here are some red flags you should look for.

Behavioral Warning Signs

Behavioral teen suicide warning signs can include:

• Suicidal statements, such as “I wish I were never born,” “I wish I were dead” or “When I’m gone….”
• Social withdrawal and isolation.
• Giving away belongings with no logical explanation.
• Obtaining items needed for a suicide attempt.
• Increased drug or alcohol usage.
• Engaging in self-harm or fighting. 

Physical Warning Signs

You might also notice physical warning signs like:

• Eating or sleeping less than usual.
• Injuries or scars from previous suicide attempts.

Cognitive Warning Signs

Cognitive youth suicide warning signs can include:

• Preoccupation with death and dying.
• Sudden calmness after a period of increased emotional upheaval.
• Personality changes. 

Psychosocial Warning Signs

Watch for psychosocial warning signs, such as:

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, self-loathing or feeling trapped.
• Extreme mood swings.
• Intense emotional pain.
• Increased anxiety or agitation.
• Psychosis or paranoia. 

If you notice any of these changes in mood or behavior enough to cause concerns, contact professional help as soon as possible.

How Doctors Diagnose Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation can be tricky to identify if the teen doesn’t feel comfortable expressing these thoughts. A doctor or mental health professional might ask some questions to assess their mental state, such as:

• Do you daydream about death or dying?
• Have you ever experienced depression symptoms?
• How far have your thoughts gone? 
• Have you created a plan for suicide, even if you haven’t acted on it?
• What medications and substances do you take, and how often?

How Can You Prevent Suicidal Ideation? 

As a parent or caregiver, the first thing you should do to minimize the chance of your teen experiencing suicidal ideation is to provide an accepting, supportive space for them to turn to. Even if they don’t feel like talking, knowing they are not alone can make all the difference. A sense of connectedness has shown to be an effective intervention strategy.

You can also note any factors that put your teen at risk, such as depression, belonging to a sexual minority group or being bullied or discriminated against. Be aware of the signs of self-harm, which may occur alongside these thoughts or indicate that the desire has escalated.

A doctor may also recommend medications to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that worsen ideation. Therapy and support groups are another valuable resource. 

Teens can reduce their chances by:

• Knowing their specific triggers.
• Creating a balanced support system. 
• Tracking new thoughts, feelings or symptoms.
• Finding ways to relieve intense emotions, such as exercise.
• Seeking advice from a trusted loved one or professional.

Teen Suicide Protective Factors

The good news is that you and your child can take the road to lasting positive change. Each of the following actions can make a difference in your teen’s life, so you should engage in as many of them as possible. If your teen struggles in any of these areas, now is always the best time to seek help to achieve a healthier, happier life. Here are some teen suicide protective factors.

The Ability to Problem-Solve

Good problem-solving abilities can help your child overcome obstacles in their life maturely and responsibly. Teens can better resolve conflicts if they identify problems as they occur and create effective strategies to manage them before they escalate.

Strong Interpersonal Connections and Support System

People crave human connection. Your child may be less likely to consider drastic measures if they feel supported and loved among their family, friends and community and have trustworthy people to turn to when they get overwhelmed.

As a supportive and caring parent, you can also encourage positive life skills by modeling them. Confiding in your teen about times you had trouble coping and sharing positive strategies that made you feel better can also reinforce the value of asking for help. 

Difficulty Accessing Lethal Items

An adolescent who regularly thinks about engaging in life-threatening behaviors can be less likely to follow through if there is no straightforward way for them to do so. You can reduce your teen’s chances of committing suicide by making it impossible to access lethal items like medications or firearms.

Healthy Cultural or Religious Beliefs

Living according to cultural or religious values that discourage suicide and promote the sanctity of life and self-preservation can protect your child from submitting to thoughts of self-harm.

Easier Access to Intervention

Appropriate clinical interventions, including family therapy, individual therapy and psychotherapy, are crucial in overcoming self-destructive behavior in teens. Teenagers with access to these potentially lifesaving intervention methods are better at overcoming their current struggles.

Effective Behavioral Health Care

You can equip your child to resist self-destructive thoughts and actions by taking them to see experienced professionals to receive medical attention for physical, mental and substance use disorders. 

Healthy Habits

Numerous studies demonstrate the relationship between physical and mental health. Be proactive by promoting wellness at home, like eating a balanced diet and getting proper sleep and exercise. Discourage substance use and other risky behaviors. You can also safeguard your teen’s behavioral and mental health by getting them access to various clinical interventions, such as therapy and counseling.

Interests and Hobbies

Hobbies and group events can boost self-esteem and self-worth in your teen. Encourage them to get involved in team sports or extracurricular clubs. These settings provide a productive outlet for releasing pent-up stress and energy. Teens can also improve their social skills and make new friends, which can go a long way in their mental wellness. Ensure your teen has plenty of opportunities to participate in these events at school or in your community. 

Healthy Coping Skills

The more resourceful and resilient your teen is at solving problems and reducing stress, the better they can cope with challenging life situations. As a parent, you can promote these coping skills to ensure your teen views stressful situations as an opportunity for change rather than a reason for despair.

• Positive self-talk: Let your child know that it is OK to be proud of their achievements, no matter how small they might seem. Encourage them to talk about themselves and list their strengths while discouraging negative self-talk. 
• Asking for help: While you should not force your teen to speak to you if they don’t want to, encourage them to ask for help from trusted people when going through tough times. Create a safe space where they can speak without judgment, and be supportive rather than dismissive of their feelings. 
• Taking a break: Sometimes, all your teen might need is to take a break from the source of their distress. That way, they have time to refocus their thoughts and energy, gaining more clarity and insight to take care of themselves. 
• Healthy hobbies: Engaging in fun activities can help your teen lower stress and gain a more positive mindset. For instance, they might listen to music, draw, watch a movie, play a game or hang out with friends.

Coping skills can be among the most valuable abilities your teen ever learns. Over time, your child will have tools to overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

What to Do if Your Child or Teen Is Suicidal

If your child talks to you about death or a belief that the world would be better off without them, take the discussion seriously. Parents often feel helpless and sometimes guilty or angry. Be mindful of your emotions so that your child can feel at ease having open communication without overreaction. Keep the focus on maintaining safety and getting help for your child to deal with their suicidal thoughts. 

You can help teens overcome suicidal thoughts and begin a path to recovery with a few steps.

Remove Substances From the Premises

Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate existing conditions like depression and anxiety. Consider removing or hiding these items to reduce the chance of your teen finding them and using them illegally, especially if they have abused substances before.

Talk to Them

As a parent or guardian, you must make your teen feel comfortable by giving them the acceptance they crave. If you are honest and inclusive, they will know they can always come to you about anything. Plus, talking is the first step in finding out more about the struggle so you can get your child the help they need.

It’s OK to ask direct questions about your child’s suicidal thoughts. Try to find out if they have a plan, a way to execute it, a time frame in mind and the intention to carry it out. People at the highest risk for committing suicide have figured out these details. 

If you assess your child to be at imminent risk, call 988 or take them to the ER or crisis stabilization hospital for further evaluation.

Connect With Professionals

Even if you only have a small suspicion that your child is struggling or having suicidal thoughts, make an appointment with a mental health professional to assess the risk. These compassionate specialists use their training to develop an individualized treatment plan — the first step to helping your child.

For example, Dialectical Behavior Therapy aims to help people stabilize behaviors, experience emotions and build a healthier lifestyle. Sessions can also help your teen work on communication skills and change their perspective on life, enhancing that feeling of connection with a greater whole. 

At Hillside®, we offer intensive outpatient care, a minimum of six weeks of online intensive therapy for teens. In this program, adolescents can address the symptoms that might be interfering with school, home and relationships. Virtual intensive outpatient clients can maintain their home and academic responsibilities while receiving therapy to help them feel better and gain crucial coping skills for everyday stressors. Programs include: 

• Social skills group therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Social-emotional learning
• Individual and family therapy
• Access to coaching calls with therapists outside program hours

Resources for Immediate Help

Sometimes, you have to trust your gut. Help is available if your child experiences a crisis requiring immediate assistance. Here are some trusted resources you can contact right now.

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or view their website. 
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or visit the Crisis Text Line website for more information. 
• The Trevor Project: Connect with a trained counselor anytime by calling 866-488-7386. Or, text START to 678-678. Visit The Trevor Project’s website to learn more. 

Even if a loved one’s crisis or self-harming does not seem imminently life-threatening, it’s still worth your time to find professional mental health services. A trained provider can offer treatment and support to see your family through each difficult moment. 

Contact Hillside^® to Help Your Teen Experience a Life Worth Living

Many parents feel helpless when they see their child struggling with suicidal ideation. Know that you are not alone. Various tools can break the cycle of negativity and help your teen recover, including DBT. 

Hillside® offers a comprehensive continuum of care for teens experiencing emotional, mental and behavioral concerns that lead them toward self-destructive behavior. We are the leading residential mental health treatment center for children and families in Georgia, and our philosophy for youth facing mental illness emphasizes empowering the family. The goal is to have happy, healthy children return home to grow up with nurturing and supportive families.

Our experienced clinicians specialize in DBT for teens, providing a safe and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth. Submit an admissions inquiry today to learn how we can help your teen manage their thoughts of suicide.