Each year 12 of every 100,000 teens aged 15 to 19 commit suicide, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Suicide attempts often go hand-in-hand with other problems such as chemical use, physical or sexual abuse, family problems and low self-esteem. Research shows that 20 to 36 percent of suicide victims have a history of alcohol abuse or were drinking shortly before their suicides, according to the Seventh Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health.

Sixteen teens committ suicide every day. But these teens are not just statistics. They were depressed, confused young men and women who didn't know how or where to get help. Many people have suicidal thoughts at some time during their lives. This is normal, as long as those thoughts don't linger. A person with suicidal thoughts will exhibit one or more of these warning signs.  Sometimes, the person contemplating suicide will exhibit most of these warning signs, but not to just one person. If you, or someone you know exhibits any of these warning signs, please contact a counselor, teacher, priest, rabbi, minister, parent, or friend. Don't assume you can help them by yourself ~ get help! If you see these signs in yourself, get help!

Warning Signs

Abrupt changes in personality

Giving away possessions

Previous suicide attempt

Ending of a romance

Inability to tolerate frustration

Use of drugs and/or alcohol

Eating disturbances, significant weight changes

Sleeping disturbances

Withdrawl

Unwillingness or inability to communicate

Sexual promiscuity

Depression

Extreme or extended boredom

Inability to concentrate

Accident prone (carelessness)

Unusually long grief reaction

Unusual sadness, discouragement, and lonliness

Hostile behavior

Neglect of academic work

Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing loved one

Running away from home or truancy from school

Rebelliousness - reckless behavior

Withdrawl from activities that they love

Talk of suicide or of killing oneself
 
 

It's also important for parents and other caring adults to serve as role models in handling stress and other uncomfortable life situations. Help teens accept failure, take all suicide talk seriously, and offer help to teens struggling with problems that often lead to suicide.

Teens can also set up a peer counseling service through their schools. Teens can sometimes help a depressed teen in ways that others cannot by working closely with the school counselor.