Youth suicide is defined as when a person under age 21 deliberately takes their own life. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 10-24 and 12-18. Each day in the US, over 5,240 youth in grades 7-12 attempt suicide. Males are more likely to die from suicide, while females are more likely to attempt it. Warning signs of youth suicide include bullying, family struggles, body changes, stress, confusion, and strong negative feelings. Those struggling should reach out for help by calling crisis hotlines, seeking therapy, and talking about their feelings.

1. CYOUTH SUICIDE
By: Kaila Winters

2. Definition:
• When a young person, under the age of 21, who deliberately takes their own life.

3. Statistics:
United
States
Number
Age 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
5-14
Years
285 272 219 184 222 265 274 287 311 395
15-19
Years
1,700 1,613 1,555 1,481 1,604 1,669 1,658 1,801 1,778 1,745
20-24
Years
2,616 2,599 2,634 2,659 2,694 2,702 2,936 3,018 3,086 3,125
Total
for
Ages
5-24
4,601 4,484 4,408 4,324 4,520 4,636 4,868 5,106 5,175 5,265

4. Continued…
• Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for ages 10-24. (2015 CDC WISQARS)
• Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for college-age youth and ages 12-18. (2015 CDC
WISQARS)
• Each day in our nation, there are an average of over 5,240 attempts by young people grades 7-
12.
• Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs
• Males are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than females.
• Females are more likely to attempt suicide than males.

5. Symptomatic Behaviors:
• Bullying
• Divorce and other family struggles
• Body changes
• Pressure to succeed
• Changes in thoughts
• Changes in feelings
• Strong feelings of stress
• Confusion
• Fear
• Uncertainty

6. Support:
• National Crisis Help Line
• 1-800-784-2433
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• 1-800-273-8255
• Therapy

7. Strategies:
• Talk about your feeling/struggles
• Reach out
• Remember it’s okay to ask for help
• Never feel ashamed
• Remember you are loved
• Other people:
• Listen
• Look for the signs
• Get help

8. Resources:
• http://jasonfoundation.com/prp/facts/youth-suicide-statistics/
• http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/mental_health_disorders/teen_suicide
_90,P02584/
• http://www.spsamerica.org/considering-suicide
• Video:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSpyM-h0N5U