The Heartbreaking Rise of Suicide Rates Among Children and Teens: A Mom and Therapist's Perspective
Courtney Cauldwell
8. 28. 2024
As a mom and a therapist who works with teens, the alarming increase in suicide rates among our kids, feels deeply personal and profoundly heartbreaking. Every day, I see the struggles that kids and teens face, and as a parent, the thought of any child feeling so lost and hopeless is almost too much to bear. But ignoring this reality isn't an option. We need to talk about it openly, understand what's happening, and, most importantly, learn how to support our children through these challenging times.
A Sobering Reality: Suicide Statistics Among Children and Teens
The statistics are gut-wrenching. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is now the second leading cause of death among kids and teens aged 10 to 24 in the United States. In the last decade alone, the suicide rate in this age group has surged by nearly 60%. Even more heartbreaking, the rate of suicide among children as young as 10 to 14 has almost tripled over the past ten years.
In 2021, over 6,600 young lives were lost to suicide in this age group, the highest number ever recorded. Behind each of these numbers is a child—a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a friend. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) tells us that for every one of these tragic deaths, there are 25 more attempts. This crisis is affecting countless families and communities across the country.
Why Are We Seeing This Increase?
As a therapist, I often hear the painful stories behind the statistics. While every situation is unique, there are several common factors that we need to understand as parents.
Mental Health Challenges: Many young people today are struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, but most cases go undiagnosed and untreated. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health can prevent our kids from reaching out for help, leaving them to suffer in silence.
The Dark Side of Social Media: Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it connects kids with their peers, but on the other, it can be a source of immense pressure and pain. Excessive use of social media is linked to feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-worth. Cyberbullying, which has become all too common, adds another layer of hurt, leading some kids to feel trapped and overwhelmed.
Pressure to Succeed: Our kids today are under more pressure than ever to succeed—academically, socially, and in sports. The fear of failure and the burden of high expectations can be crushing. As parents, we sometimes unknowingly contribute to this stress, pushing our children to achieve without realizing the toll it's taking on their mental health.
Trauma and Adverse Experiences: Childhood trauma, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, significantly increases the risk of suicide. The CDC's Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study found that children who experience multiple forms of trauma are five times more likely to attempt suicide. The scars from these experiences can run deep, affecting a child's mental health for years.
Isolation and Lack of Support: Feeling alone and unsupported is a common thread in many cases of teen suicide. Even in a world full of digital connections, many kids feel isolated, as if no one truly understands what they're going through. A strong support system is crucial, but many children and teens don't have one, or they don't know how to reach out for help.
Why We Need to Talk About Suicide with Our Kids
One of the most important things we can do as parents is to have open and honest conversations about suicide with our children. I know it's a terrifying topic, and the thought of discussing it with your child might make your heart race. But the truth is, talking about suicide doesn't plant the idea in their heads—instead, it can be a lifeline.
Breaking the Silence and Stigma: By talking about mental health and suicide, we can help break down the stigma that keeps so many kids from asking for help. When we make it clear that it's okay to talk about these issues, we open the door for our children to share their feelings without fear of judgment.
Recognizing the Warning Signs: As a therapist, I've learned that early intervention can save lives. Parents, teachers, and friends need to be aware of the warning signs of suicide, such as sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from friends or activities, extreme sadness, or talking about death. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Providing Reassurance and Hope: Our kids need to know that they are not alone, that their feelings are valid, and that help is available. When we talk openly about suicide, we can reassure our children that no problem is too big to overcome and that there is always someone who cares and wants to help.
Encouraging Professional Help: Sometimes, the support of a parent or friend isn't enough. If your child is struggling, it's essential to seek professional help. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide the specialized care that might be needed to help your child through this difficult time.
Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Teaching our kids how to cope with stress, failure, and difficult emotions is one of the best ways to protect their mental health. By fostering resilience, we can help them develop the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and find healthy ways to cope with their feelings.
What We Can Do to Help
As parents, we can't solve all of our children's problems, but there are steps we can take to protect their mental health and help prevent suicide.
Promote Mental Health Awareness: Talk to your kids about mental health the same way you would about physical health. Teach them that it's okay to seek help when they're feeling down or overwhelmed.
Monitor Social Media Use: Keep an eye on your child's social media activity. Giving them free rein on social media is a mistake I see parents make, daily. I get it, really I do. It is a pain to monitor. It is just something else to add to your to-do list. But, it IS something you need to be monitoring. If you don’t think you are ready to monitor it, then it may not be time to introduce it to your child.
Encourage them to take breaks and remind them that what they see online isn't always an accurate reflection of reality. Remind them that social media can become a problem and that even adults sometimes take breaks.
Support Their Passions: Help your child find activities that bring them joy and build their self-esteem. Whether it's sports, music, arts, or volunteering, these activities can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Isolation is where suicidal ideation can, and often does, turn into actual plans to commit suicide. Making sure your kiddo is involved in in-person activities with others their age is CRUCIAL. We need each other.
Create a Safe Environment: Make sure your child knows that they can come to you with any problem, big or small. Listen without judgment and offer your support. Your kids aren’t going to tell you everything. Help your child identify FIVE people they feel safe talking to when they don’t want to talk to you.
Create a Safety Plan + Post it where they can easily access it: Don’t wait until they ask to see a therapist. Make one now with them. Put it in their room, their car, on their phone or whatever electronic device they have.
The rise in suicide rates among children and teens is a tragedy that none of us can ignore. As both a mom and a therapist, I believe that open conversations, early intervention, and strong support systems are crucial to turning the tide. Our kids are facing challenges that we may not fully understand, but by talking with them, listening to them, and supporting them, we can help them find their way through the darkness.
Remember, you're not alone in this. If you or your child is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
Let's work together to keep our kids safe, healthy, and hopeful for the future.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Suicide Rates Among Adolescents and Young Adults Aged 10-24." 2021.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). "Suicide." 2021.
World Health Organization (WHO). "Adolescent Mental Health." 2020.