Although there is no such thing as a suicidal type of young person, the statistics on youth suicide do suggest that there are certain behaviors or characteristics that can alert you to a possible elevated risk of suicidal thought. Some of the most common elevated risk factors are listed below:
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Perfectionists
Rigid perfectionism is a risk factor in youth suicide especially when the perfectionist is threatened with not achieving at self – or other demanded levels of perfection.22 -
Gay and Lesbians
Considered to be at high risk for suicidal behavior because they are the targets of a great deal of victimization. They report not feeling safe in their schools, feeling confused about their sexuality and suffering some form of verbal or physical abuse.18 -
Learning Disabled
Youths with learning disabilities had twice the risk of emotional distress, and females were at twice the risk of attempting suicide and for violence involvement than their peers.23 -
Loners
Teen suicides usually have shown a number of signs of being troubled and are usually loners. -
Low Self- Esteem
Feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, "everyone would be better off without me." -
Depressed Youths
60% of those who complete suicide suffer from depression.14 -
Students in Trouble
Of more than 11,000 incarcerated youth, over half suffer from diagnosable, yet untreated mental illnesses.20 -
Abused, Molested or Neglected
Abused youths in a study by the AMA showed significantly greater risk factors for youth suicide, including family disintegration, and diagnoses of depression, disruptive behavior disorders and substance abuse and dependence.26 -
Abusers of Drugs, Alcohol
Alcohol and drug use clouds judgment, lowers inhibitions and worsens depression,33 and in turn can heighten the risk considerably.
