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-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:

• How common is suicide in children and adolescents?
• What causes suicide in children and adolescents?
• What are the warning signs associated with child and adolescent suicide?
• What should I do if my child or adolescent talks about suicide?

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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

13 Reasons Why Toolkit - Guidance For Clinicians

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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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Robbie's Hope Adult Handbook - A Guide By Teens On How To Talk To Teens About Suicide

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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• Robbie's Hope - A Guide By Teens On How To Talk To Teens About Suicide
• “Reasons” To Keep The Conversations Going
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Suicide Prevention (APA)
• 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
• Parents Med Guides
• 13 Reasons Why Toolkit - Guidance For Clinicians
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
• SPRC Resources and Programs
• American Association of Suicidology
• Professional Risk Management Suicide Prevention Resources
• UPMC Well Toolkit: Suicide Resources
• The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide | Teen Suicide Prevention

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