Experts Offer Warning Signs that Teens May Have Suicidal Thoughts

As parents, students and staff members in the West Des Moines school district grapple with the news of a possible suicide, Patch shares some warning signs that experts say can indicate a teen is at risk.

 freshman Justin Nimmo died at his home Thursday, according to Superintendent Peter Ansigh, and his death is being investigated as a suicide.

A month ago, another Valley Southwoods student,  killed himself.

In January, after two Johnston teens killed themselves on the same weekend in apparently unrelated incidents, mental health professionals  Iowa Youth Survey statistics that showed 10 percent of eighth-grade students – 3,780 students – report having attempted suicide at least once.

Signs that a teen may be at risk include:

• increased or decreased sleep
• a change in interest levels - often no interest in past activities, general erosion
• guilt - awareness they feel this way
• loss of energy - most often down, having no gumption to get out
• a loss of concentration - difficulty focusing
• an increase or decrease in appetite - a significant change from normal
• psycho motor disturbances - physical signs of depression such as the entire body slowing down
• suicidal ideation - preoccupation, but not depressed

"Be aware," Jeff Kerber, director of Iowa Health Employee and Student Assistance, said at the January awareness meeting in Johnston. "There is never a bad time to call a professional. If you're worried, do something."