Children & Teen Talks: Understanding and Preventing Suicide

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE COUCH? Hey-hey-hey! Tonight Dr. Delvena is discussing a very heavy conversation - children/adolescents and depression and suicidal thinking. Join her on the couch with Dr. Juandalyn Peters, MD, Board Certified Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY: Suicides among young people continue to be a serious problem. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults age 15-to-24-year-olds. The majority of children and adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder, usually depression. Among younger children, suicide attempts are often impulsive. They may be associated with feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, or problems with attention and hyperactivity. 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 his or her illness recognized and 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