Suicide Resource Center
Updated October 2017
Suicide is a serious and growing problem among children and adolescents. Each year, thousands of young people commit suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds.
The majority of children and adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder, usually depression.
Among younger children, suicide attempts are often impulsive. They may be associated with feelings of sadness, confusion and anger.
Among teenagers, suicide attempts may be associated with feelings of stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, disappointment and loss. For some teens, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems.
Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The child or adolescent needs to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed, and appropriate treatment plans developed.
Parents, teachers and friends should always err on the side of caution and safety. Any child or adolescent with suicidal thoughts or plans should be evaluated immediately by a trained and qualified mental health professional.
Choose a topic:
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Suicide in Children and Teens
Self-Injury in Adolescents
Depression in Children and Teens
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Threats by Children: When are they Serious?
Stress Management and Teens
Teen Brain: Behavior, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
When to Seek Help For Your Child
Firearms and Children
Bullying
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http://www.thesecondwindfund.org/videos-media
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Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
Linehan Risk Assessment and management tool
Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Suicidal Behavior David Shaffer, M.D.
Practice Parameter on the Use of Psychotropic Medication in Children and Adolescents John Walkup, M.D.
Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorders Boris Birmaher, M.D.
Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders
Toolbox for Clinical Practice and Outcomes Research
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Preventing Youth Suicide: Time to Ask How David A. Brent, M.D.
Suicide Attempt Characteristics, Diagnoses, and Future Attempts: Comparing Multiple Attempters to Single Attempters and Ideators Regina Miranda, Ph.D.
Helping Kids in Crisis: Managing Psychiatric Emergencies in Children and Adolescents Deepika Shaligram, M.D.
Protecting Adolescents From Self-Harm: A Critical Review of Intervention Studies David A. Brent, M.D.
Family Intervention for Adolescents With Suicidal Behavior: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Mediation Analysis Jane Pineda, Ph.D.
Validity of Measurement of Suicidal Ideas in Very Young Children Michael S. Scheeringa, M.D., MPH
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Eight Stories Up: An Adolescent Chooses Hope Over Suicide
Helping Kids in Crisis: Managing Psychiatric Emergencies in Children and Adolescents by Gerson and Haddad
Suicide and Self-harming Behaviour
Your Adolescent: Emotional, Behavioral, and Cognitive Development from Early Adolescence Through the Teen Years David Pruitt, M.D. and AACAP
Recovering from Depression: A Workbook for Teens, Mary Copeland, M.A., M.S. and Stuart Copans, M.D.
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Click here to find a child and adolescent psychiatrist in your area.
Crisis Text Line
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1.800.273.8255
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“Reasons” To Keep The Conversations Going
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention (APA)
Youth Suicide Prevention Program (FAQ)
American Academy of Pediatrics: Preventing Teen Suicide
Teen Suicide: What Parents Need to Know (Mayo Clinic)
Help Stop Teen Suicide (healthychildren.org)
Suicide: A Major, Preventable Mental Health Problem (NIMH)
The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds
The JED Foundation
The Jason Foundation
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
National Alliance on Mental Illness
AACAP Policy Statement: Children and Guns
Alliance of Hope & Friends and Families