Suicide rates are continuing to rise, and it’s becoming an option for younger and younger children. According to the University of Colorado Boulder, national suicide rates have steadily been increasing since the 1990s, with nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. taking their own lives in 2022–an increase of over three percent from the previous year. 

To put these tragedies in perspective, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports that one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. 

“I see more and more mental health issues in younger children. It used to be that we wouldn’t see some of those things–unless it was a very specific mental health need–until people were teenagers and young adults. Now, we’re seeing suicides of young children all the way down to six/seven years old, and it’s just tragic. Kids that age don’t understand that it’s permanent,” says Katie Blickendefer, LCSW and Chief Clinical Officer at Diversus Health.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24, and the fifth leading cause among individuals aged 34-44. 

Unfortunately, Colorado is not exempt from this crisis. Blickendefer explains that Colorado consistently ranks among the top 10 states for suicide rates, with El Paso County having the highest rate in the state. 

Recognizing the Warning Signs
Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of suicide is critical for prevention. 

 “A lot of people who die by suicide, their family members look back and see some warning signs, but they didn’t know it was as dire as what it was,” Blickendefer shares. “Sometimes, people have made up their mind that they want to take their own life, unfortunately, and they don’t say anything because they don’t want anybody to stop them.”

Common warning signs to look for:
Changes in Behavior: If a social child or friend starts becoming withdrawn, it can be an indicator that they are struggling with their mental health. 

“If they’re normally socializing and involved in activities, and they start to isolate or withdraw, that change in behavior is really important to look for,” Blickendefer says. She explains that some people will begin giving personal items away or subtly saying goodbye to family and friends.

Expressions of Hopelessness: Verbal hints or outright statements about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live should be taken seriously.

Drastic Mood Changes: Sudden shifts in mood, especially after a period of depression, can indicate that a person has made up their mind about suicide. Be aware that significant life changes also can be triggers for suicide, like if someone loses their job or a relationship is ending.

If these warning signs appear, Blickendefer emphasizes the importance of having a conversation about it. “It’s a myth if you ask somebody if they’re having suicidal thoughts or they’re thinking about taking their own life that it’ll put the idea in their head. It’s actually the opposite. The idea is probably already there.” 

Asking open-ended questions and showing genuine concern can open the door to meaningful conversations. Being diligent and communicating can show the person that there is someone who is noticing and caring about their well-being. 

Social Media and Mental Health
Social media is an integral part of our society, and the youth will inevitably download apps and create profiles. Yet, this fast, dopamine-rewarding technology is playing a significant role in the mental health of children and teens.

Portrayal on Profiles
Kids, teenagers, and even adults often post their best photos doing the most exciting things, creating an illusion of the perfect life. Constant exposure to these curated realities can lead to negative self-comparison. 

To help younger generations navigate social media, Blickendefer suggests helping them find a balance so they don’t compare their own identity to how others portray themselves on social media platforms. 

Targeting Every Mental Health Issue
Social media can be particularly harmful to people struggling with their mental health due to the algorithm that targets them. If a suicidal person watches a video that highlights feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, the algorithm will continue to show similar content. The algorithm doesn’t show people what they want to see–it shows content that will keep users on the app for longer periods of time. This can trap people in a cycle of harmful content that is mentally hurting them. 

Cyberbullying 
Cyberbullying is an everyday occurrence, whether it involves sending mean direct messages, sharing private photos, or leaving hateful comments. People are more likely to say and do hurtful things behind a computer screen than they would face-to-face.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, about 30 percent of teens who were surveyed said they have been cyberbullied at some point in their lifetime. 

In this digital, social media-driven age, parenting has changed. Blickendefer encourages parents to set expectations with their children. When they get a phone or social media profile, the parent is allowed to check it. Additionally, parents need to have a conversation with their children about safety, algorithms, profile comparisons, and cyberbullying. 

Supporting Mental Health
Here are some ways to support someone who may be feeling depressed or suicidal: 

• Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise. 
• Social Connections: Foster strong, supportive relationships. 
• Professional Help: Therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide essential support. Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that provides 24-hour support.  
• Open Conversations: Ask questions, listen without judgment, and show empathy. 

As parents, being vigilant yet not paranoid, adjusting expectations, and fostering an environment where kids feel safe to express their feelings can make a significant difference. By recognizing warning signs, understanding the impact of social media, and taking proactive steps to support mental health, we can help protect our children from the tragedy of suicide.