Teens at risk for suicide during the pandemic

Most teenagers have experienced some degree of stress during this pandemic — whether it’s missing friends, or more serious stressors like a parent losing a job, someone getting sick or an unstable home life.

Such stressors can make teens more vulnerable to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Pre-COVID-19, suicide was already a leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. Mental health experts are concerned that suicide rates will increase during the pandemic.

While more data is needed, in a June survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young adults reported having worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use and elevated suicidal ideation.

“Suicide does not discriminate, and anyone can be at risk,” says Victoria Freier, MSN, RN-BC. “Some factors that increase risk include a current mental health disorder or substance use disorder, for the teen or a parent; family history of suicide, violence, including physical or sexual abuse; bullying and having firearms in the home.”

The risk increases during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, when teens may be more likely to experience feelings of social and emotional isolation. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. Many of the warning signs of suicide are also symptoms of depression, such as:

• Any changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Isolating, emotional or social withdrawal
• Irritability, mood swings, hopelessness
• Statements of “I am a burden”
• Questioning the purpose of their life
• Lack of interest in usual activities
• Acting out behaviors, running away
• Anger, rage, agitation
• Alcohol and drug use, other risky activities
• Neglecting their personal appearance
• Obsession with death and dying
• Lack of response to praise

Parents know their kids better than anyone else. If anything seems off, don’t wait. Seek help immediately.

How can parents protect their teens?

One predictor of how well teens do after a large-scale event, like a pandemic, is how well their parents are doing. It’s okay for a teen to see her parents stressed or worried. Everyone is. What’s important is for teens to see their parents cope with it in healthy ways.

“With many feeling isolated during this pandemic, teens need to be encouraged to reach out and connect to others,” says Freier. “If a teen tells you they are thinking of suicide do not leave them alone. Get help, call an adult.”

Here are 10 steps parents can take to protect their teen:

1. Restrict access to dangerous or potentially life-threatening items in the home (e.g., firearms, knives, harmful substances).
2. Closely supervise teens with a history of suicide attempts or self-injuries.
3. Limit time spent alone to prevent opportunities to engage in self-harm.
4. Set limits on screen time and monitor teens’ phone calls, texts and social media use for bullying or self-harm exposure.
5. Try to keep conflict at home low. Make sure teens feel comfortable asking for help.
6. Frequently check in with teens to see how they’re feeling.
7. Ask teens what their friends are saying. This can help parents gauge their child’s thoughts.
8. Acknowledge the reality of the pandemic but reassure teens that it’s temporary.
9. Help teens understand that they aren’t alone, and that life will get better.
10. Treat any talk of self-harm or suicide seriously. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if teens cannot be kept safe in the home.

In addition to parental support, feeling connected to others and support from the community can help protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens. Having a strong relationship with a therapist is a protective factor as well.

Both in-person and virtual counseling is available and can help teens struggling with suicidal thoughts and behavior. Linden Oaks Behavioral Health offers a 24-hour Help Line 630-305-5027.

Additional supportive resources include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255) and NAMI – DuPage: 630-752-0066.

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/coronavirus.