According to the CDC-2016, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 to 24 years of age. Although there is limited research on specific demographic factors associated with youth suicides, there are risk factors that we can identify and plan accordingly.
Potential risk factors that increase thoughts of suicide among children:
– Childhood maltreatment: there is strong evidence that supports how various forms of childhood maltreatment such as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse can predict future suicidal ideation or suicide attempt among youth.
This level of trauma has short and long-term effects that greatly impacts the mental health of youth. Severe symptoms such a guilt, shame, depression, and hopelessness can overwhelm youth and increase their thoughts of the desire to not live.
– Bullying: peer victimization, whether face to face or social media, perpetuates