Suicide by Life Stage

Although the prevalence of mental health disorders and rates of suicide increase as children grow older, even young children express thoughts of suicide and have taken their own lives.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 and 24. Sometimes it feels as though your struggle is being underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available.

There are well established differences between boys and girls in suicide rates. Girls are two to three times more likely to express thoughts of suicide and attempt suicide. However, boys are four times more likely to die by suicide than girls. This is because boys tend to use more lethal suicide attempt methods and take action more impulsively.

Suicide is rare in children before twelve years of age but can occur. Family and school problems are notable risk factors for suicide in young children. Warning signs should always be taken seriously. Because young children can move from thoughts of suicide to an attempt quickly and without planning, universal precautions should be taken around lethal means.

When a youth shares thoughts of wanting to die or warning signs are evident, consider the following strategies:

• Remain calm and take a deep breath. It’s OK to feel uncomfortable.
• Be patient and speak in a relaxed, reassuring tone.
• Tell your child you care and acknowledge they are hurting.
• Be direct about your concerns:
  • State the specific changes you see in your child’s mood and/or behavior.
  • Ask if they are thinking about suicide or have tried to kill themselves
  • Get professional help.

Some ways of responding to a youth who is having suicidal thoughts are ineffective. Please consider the following tips:

• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong.
• Don’t lecture on the value of life or question why someone could feel this way. You do not have to agree with how they feel to offer support.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy or promise confidentiality. Share that safety and getting help are top priority.
• Convey the message that suicide is preventable and treatment is effective.

In 2023, 12.8 million adults age 18 or older reported having thoughts of suicide, and 1.5 million adults attempted suicide during the past year.

Suicide thoughts and behaviors in 2023 (SAMHSA)

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable. Everyone has a role to play to save lives and create healthy and strong individuals, families, and communities. Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive public health approach. CDC developed the Suicide Prevention Resource for Action (Prevention Resource), which provides information on the best available evidence for suicide prevention. States and communities can use the Prevention Resource to help make decisions about suicide prevention activities. Strategies range from those designed to support people at increased risk to a focus on the whole population, regardless of risk.