Is my teen at risk for suicide? 

By Camille Garceau, B.Sc.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canadian adolescents and young adults (Statistics Canada, 2022). In 2021, approximately 18% of Ontario students grades 7-12 reported seriously thinking about suicide in the past year (Boak, Elton-Marshall, & Hamilton, 2022). Tragically, suicide rates are 6 times higher in First Nations youth and 24 times higher in Inuit youth than in non-indigenous youth (Statistics Canada, 2019).

How do you know if your teen is at risk for suicide? Suicide is sometimes an impulsive act, and attempts can be difficult to predict. The strongest predictor of a future suicide attempt is a past suicide attempt; other risk factors include difficult life events, social isolation, past trauma, mental illness, debilitating physical illness, and availability of means (e.g. firearms) (Bilsen, 2018). Although there is no one way to accurately determine the likelihood of someone dying by suicide, there are several warning signs that are worth monitoring. These include threats to end one’s life, getting the means to end one’s life (e.g. firearm, pills), having a suicide plan, talking or writing about wanting to end one’s life, expressing hopelessness and/or a lack of purpose in life, dramatic changes in mood, reckless behaviour, sleep problems, and increased substance use (see youthsuicidewarningsigns.org). 

As a parent, you are likely (and understandably!) disturbed and frightened by the idea of your child being at risk for suicide. This may make you hesitant to discuss the topic with them. You may wonder: will talking about suicide with my child “put the idea in their head”? Could it make them more likely to attempt? These fears, although normal, are thankfully unfounded. It is a widespread misconception that talking to someone about suicide will induce or exacerbate suicidal thoughts or urges (Dazzi et al., 2014). In reality, asking your teen direct questions shows them that you want to hear about their experience — no matter how distressing — rather than hide your head in the sand. Examples include “Do you have suicidal thoughts?”, “How often do you think about suicide?”, and “Do you have a plan to kill yourself?”. By opening the dialogue in a clear, honest, and courageous manner, you invite your teen to respond in kind. 

Fearing that your teen could take their own life can be terrifying, overwhelming, and isolating. If this is your experience, do not delay in seeking mental health care from a qualified professional for both your teen and yourself. A therapist can help you manage your emotions and help you support your teen during this difficult time.

All Canadians can access the 24-7 Suicide Crisis Helpline by calling or texting 9-8-8.   

Camille Garceau, B.Sc., is a practicum student at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships in Ottawa under the supervision of Dr. Nalini Iype, C. Psych. She is currently completing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Ottawa. She works with adolescents and adults in both assessment and therapy contexts. 

References

Bilsen, J. (2018). Suicide and youth: Risk factors. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 540. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00540

Boak, A., Elton-Marshall, T., & Hamilton, H. A. (2022). The well-being of Ontario students: Findings from the 2021 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdf—osduhs/2021-osduhs-report-pdf.pdf

Dazzi, T., Gribble, R., Wessely, S., & Fear. N. T. (2014). Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence? Psychological Medicine, 44, 3361–3363. DOI: 10.1017/S0033291714001299 

Kumar, M. B., & Tjepkema, M. (2019, June 28). Suicide among First Nations people, Métis

and Inuit (2011-2016)Findings from the 2011 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (CanCHEC). Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/99-011-x/99-011-x2019001-eng.htm

Statistics Canada. (2020). Leading causes of death, total population, by age group. https://doi.org/10.25318/1310039401-eng