Suicide

Children & Youth Resources

Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for 10-24 year olds. Every day in the U.S., there are 5,240 students in grades 7 – 12 who attempt suicide. Suicide continues to be a serious problem among young people. Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt might not result in injury. Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. Some youth may experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up. These can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. For some, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems and stress.

Warning Signs

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or call 800-422-009 or 211, Press 1. The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

  • Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

  • Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

  • Talking about great guilt or shame

  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

  • Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Using alcohol or drugs more often

  • Acting anxious or agitated

  • Withdrawing from family and friends

  • Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

  • Talking or thinking about death often

  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

  • Giving away important possessions

  • Saying goodbye to friends and family

  • Putting affairs in order, making a will

For immediate help please call, text, or visit the following

For more information on suicide, go to NIMH's website.

Maryland Crisis Hotline

1-800-422-0009 or 2-1-1, Press 1

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis.

Go here
National Suicide Hotline

1-800-SUICIDE

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Go Here

Related Resources

Suicide: Facts for Families

Suicide continues to be a serious problem amoung young people. Learn the warning signs and connect with prevention and intervention resources.

Suicide & LGBTQ Youth: Facts for Families

Reseach has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or questioning (LGBTQ) youth are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide than straight peers. Learn the warning signs.

June 12, 2018

Some Thoughts on Suicide and Ways You Can Help Those You Love

Inspiration. Trailblazer. These were words used to describe Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain after their tragic deaths by suicide last week. But there were other words, too. Troubled. Selfish. As a mental health advocates, we know that “selfish” is not an uncommon accusation…

Read More

Suicide: Facts for Families

Suicide continues to be a serious problem amoung young people. Learn the warning signs and connect with prevention and intervention resources.

Suicide & LGBTQ Youth: Facts for Families

Reseach has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or questioning (LGBTQ) youth are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide than straight peers. Learn the warning signs.

June 12, 2018

Some Thoughts on Suicide and Ways You Can Help Those You Love

Inspiration.

Trailblazer.

These were words used to describe Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain after their tragic deaths by suicide last week.

But there were other words, too. Troubled. Selfish.

As a mental health advocates, we know that “selfish” is not an uncommon accusation after someone has completed suicide. But as a parent, as a human, it haunts me how easily some throw that word around.

Read More

Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs assistance or is thinking of suicide, please get help immediately.

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