Suicide Attempts In Adolescents Increased During the Pandemic

TW/CW: This post contains conversation of suicide, suicide ideation, and death. If you or anyone you know need help, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1–800–273-TALK (8255). For help in Spanish, call here: 1–888–628–9454 You can also text “HOME” to 741–741 to access the 24/7 Crisis Text Line.

Approximately one year ago, a CDC study reported a steady increase of emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among adolescents ages 12 to 17, especially girls. By winter of 2021, these concerning statistics grew another fifty percent. Unsurprisingly and unfortunately, this is what I’ve been seeing in my practice firsthand.

There is undeniably an uptick in kids attempting suicide and expressing suicide ideation. We’re seeing effects and reverberations of the pandemic on kids; we have yet to see the extent of its impact on development and its mental health manifestations. So even if their kids aren’t expressing outward signs of suicidal thoughts or Ideation, I strongly encourage—dare I implore— parents to talk about it.

As a parent and a psychotherapist, I know that this is one of, if not the worst nightmare of every parent. Understandably, there is so much fear around the conversation, in part because it’s a hard word to say. Parents don’t want to insult their kid, or they worry that mentioning it might plant the idea, or prompt their child to act on it. As unbelievable as this may seem and what we’ve learned is that these are misconceptions. In actuality, it’s much worse to keep it unsaid, unfaced.

Everybody thinks about death at some point — while often uncomfortable, unpleasant and anxiety-producing, it is a reality of human existence (like birth). And because of its frightening and verboten nature, teens are reluctant to verbalize thoughts, curiosities and concerns. Yet, if a trusted adult can broach this tough subject, a teen may be more inclined to share. This allows the adult to determine the risk or to consult with a professional who can do so. Not all thoughts are indicative of action, not all thoughts about death are preludes to suicide, and not all disclosed suicidal thoughts result in psychiatric hospitalization. However, the stakes are too high to avoid the topic altogether.

I know that this advice seems good in the abstract, but the actual words and conversation starters are difficult to find. I encourage parents to take a look at NIMH’s Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit and Screening Questions. This offers practical tips and phrases to empower parents to start and engage in this oft-avoided, dreaded and potentially awkward conversation. I encourage parents to take a look at it, review it, and adapt the language for them and their kid. As the data shows, it’s too important not to.