There are over 5,000 suicide attempts every day by youth in grades 5 through 12. Click to learn more about youth suicide.
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Suicide takes the lives of over 1 million people each year and is the 2nd leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 10 and 21.
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There are over 1,800 suicide attempts every day by youth in grades 5 through 12.
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The youth suicide rate has increased by 79% over the last 10 years.
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LGBT youth are 6 times more likely to seriously consider suicide and 62% more likely to attempt it.
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There are twice as many suicides as homicides in the U.S. and for every one suicide, there are 25 more attempts.
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Every 40 seconds there is another life lost from suicide! That is 2,160 every day of the year!
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Have no doubts, this is an epidemic and we all have a responsibility to help!
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The Facts and Nothing But The Facts
Information is power and the internet is full of misinformation, too much of which about suicide can have tragic consequences. Separating myth from fact can empower you to help your teen in distress.
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MYTH–Suicide is not a problem and definitely not in youth.
FACT –Suicide is a massive problem affecting youth, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among 10-21 year olds
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MYTH–Talking to teens about suicide makes them likely to consider it & may lead to suicide
FACT –Addressing the topic of suicide in a caring, empathetic, and nonjudgmental way show that you are taking your child seriously and responding to their emotional pain. It will give them the opportunity to express thoughts and feelings they may have been keeping secret.
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MYTH–Suicidal teens are overreacting to life events
FACT –Problems that may not seem like a big deal to one person, particularly adults, may be causing a great deal of distress for the suicidal teen. We have to remember that perceived crises are just as concerning and predictive of suicidal behavior as actual crises.
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MYTH–Only a professional can identify a child at risk for suicidal behavior
FACT –Parents, friends, and educators are often the first to recognize warning signs and most able to intervene in a loving way.
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MYTH–Suicides happen without warning
FACT –Most teens who attempt or die by suicide have communicated their distress or plans to at least one other person. These communications are not always direct, so it is important to know some of the key warning signs of suicide.