For this reason, mental health professionals discuss suicidal ideation in terms of being either passive or active.
Passive suicidal ideation about suicide includes experiencing vague ideas about committing suicide. Suicide is viewed as a possible way to end the pain, but usually, no action is taken.
Active suicidal ideation is when a teen experiences persistent thoughts of suicide and continues to feel hopeless. When the ideation is active, a teen begins to take steps to carry out a suicide attempt.
What Causes Suicidal Ideation?
Suicidal ideation in teens is often caused by untreated depression or drug abuse and always needs to be taken seriously.
Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideation
There are quite a few signs that your teenager may be experiencing suicidal ideation. Be on the lookout for:
- Isolation and withdrawing from social contact, especially if it's sudden
- Being self-destructive or engaging in risk-taking behaviors
- Looking for and/or acquiring means to commit suicide, such as getting a gun or a lot of medication
- Extreme mood swings
- Frequently talking about death or dying
- Saying things like, "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I had never been born"
- Giving away possessions for no particular reason
- Expressing hopelessness or a feeling of being trapped with no way out
- Changing sleeping, eating or other patterns
- Making a point to say goodbye to people
- Beginning to use alcohol and/or drugs, or using them more frequently
- Changing obvious characteristics of their personality
- Becoming extremely agitated, upset, depressed and/or anxious
Remember, warning signs can be different for every individual, and some teens keep these thoughts and feelings to themselves, If you feel like your teenager is showing any of these signs or just seems not quite themselves, be sure to consult your physician as soon as possible. Early intervention is important with any mental illness and if suicide is something your teen is considering, it's an emergency situation.
An Example of Suicidal Ideation
Ivana, age 15, feels very sad when her best friend moves away and she experiences a deep sense of loneliness and insecurity. One night she finds herself thinking about suicide as a way to end the painful feelings she is having. She pictures herself taking a bottle of pills and drifting into a deep sleep she will not wake up from. When she wakes up the next day her suicidal ideation has changed, she knows it’s an option but is feeling better and decides to call a friend she hasn’t spoken to in awhile.
In Case of Emergency
If you or your teen need immediate help for suicidal ideation, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Alternatively, you can call a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
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