When it comes to teen suicidal thoughts, treatment isn’t just recommended – it’s essential.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 14 and 18. And it’s not just suicide attempts that need to be addressed. Roughly 13% of adolescents have thoughts of suicide, and while not everyone will act on these thoughts, suicidal ideations are a major mental health concern and one that demands early intervention and an appropriate treatment protocol.
Paradigm Treatment provides compassionate residential care to adolescents struggling with their mental health, including thoughts of suicide. Below, we’re sharing key things parents and caregivers need to know about treatment for teen suicidal ideation, including the signs it’s time to take action.
Teen Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Are on the Rise
According to a 2023 CDC report, the years between 2013 and 2023 saw a stark rise in teen suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, with 40% of teens reporting persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Meanwhile, teen suicide deaths have skyrocketed, with a staggering 62% increase between 2007 and 2011 for individuals aged 10 to 24.
The emotional and psychological triggers that can lead to suicidal ideations (or worse) vary from teen to teen but may include abuse, bereavement, bullying, relationship problems, or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or substance use disorder.
Per recent data, teens at the highest risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors include LGBTQ+ youths and Black youths (particularly Black boys).
Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideation in Teens
How do you make sure you seek treatment for teen suicidal ideation sooner rather than later? You keep an eye out for established signs of these types of troubling thoughts, including:
- Expressions of hopelessness or of feeling like a burden
- Feeling numb or otherwise uninterested in things they previously enjoyed
- Withdrawals from friends and family
- Changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns
- Increased interest in death or self-harm
- Participating in extremely risky behaviors
- Giving away of personal belongings or saying goodbye
These signs don’t always mean a teen is thinking about suicide. They are, however, a clear red flag and warrant some sort of caregiver response.
Treatment for a Suicidal Teen: What Are the Options?
There are several effective modes of treatment for teen suicide thoughts and behaviors.
Therapy and Counseling
Treatment for a suicidal teen will almost always include therapy and counseling, with specific modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy.
Medication Management
Psychiatric medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers may help reduce suicidal thoughts or behaviors and are widely used for that purpose in individuals of all ages.
Residential Treatment
Many teens benefit from residential treatment for suicidal ideation, which provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for intensive mental health care.
Support Groups and Peer Networks
Teens in particular may find strength and resilience in programs like group therapy and support groups, which bring them together with peers who are facing similar challenges.
How Parents Can Support a Suicidal Teen
Parents play an important role in helping teens process and recover from suicidal thoughts. Some things that you should do if you are worried about your teen’s mental health include:
- Encourage open and honest communication
- Monitor social media and online activity
- Create a safe and supportive home environment
- Seek professional help and follow through with treatment plans
Starting the conversation is often a tricky thing for parents to do, especially when it comes to such a serious and scary topic. But you can’t help your teen if you don’t know what’s going on. Ask: “Are you thinking of harming yourself?” and be open to any response. The more direct you are, the clearer picture you’ll have of what needs to happen next.
Treatment for Teen Suicidal Ideation
You and your family are not alone in the fight against teen suicidal thoughts. Treatment options like counseling, medication, and residential programs can help prevent a young person who thinks about suicide from acting on those thoughts and are also key to treating the underlying mental health issues that are so often behind these types of harmful ideations.
Parents or other caregivers are integral to a teen’s recovery journey. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of suicidal ideation, particularly those listed above. And don’t delay getting your teen professional support. Adolescence is a time of risky decision-making and limited impulse control, and it only takes one bad decision for the worst of all outcomes to occur.Paradigm Treatment is here for your family, providing evidence-based treatments for suicidal ideation and other severe mental health challenges your child may be struggling with. Please contact us for inquiries about residential treatment for teen suicide thoughts or behaviors, and explore our website for additional teen mental health resources.
