Teen Suicide Facts

Is there an epidemic of suicide?

Yes and no. Across the past few years, suicide rates have been rising steadily in minority populations, but staying relatively steady in non-minority populations. More people speak openly about suicide now, so cases that once might have been "hidden" now get reported. Still, a number of teen suicides still get reported as accidental deaths, so estimates remain soft at best.

Is suicide contagious?

Technically, yes. Teens exposed to suicide have a higher risk for suicide attempt.

Does heavy metal or rap music lead to suicide? What about gaming? 

No. Research shows that when all other risk factors are equal, rap, metal, and video games do not increase risk for suicide--and in fact, for girls at least--the opposite is true (a negative correlation, meaning less likelihood). That being said, teens who listen to metal or more violent rap and teens who spend many hours playing more violent video games tend to have more risk factors for suicide, and may be using music or excessive gaming as an outlet for negative feelings. Thus, excessive gaming or immersion in metal, violent rap, or "death music" might be considered warning signs of problems--though again, gaming and music are not responsible for those problems.

Do news reports about suicide increase suicide attempts?

Yes. Research suggests that news reports which focus on celebrity suicide and specific suicide methods do correlate with an increase in attempts by teens with risk factors--especially attempts using the method described. This is called the "Werther Effect." The more frequent the news report, the greater the increase in attempts. The same is true, to a lesser extent, of attempts presented in movies/television shows. If the news report or fictional show focuses heavily on the negative consequences of suicide attempts and suicides, that correlation begins to drop.

Do teens talk about suicide on the internet?
Yes--and this is both fortunate and unfortunate. Fortunately, there are many sites and chat rooms extending help to teens with suicidal thoughts (see the Help Center). Unfortunately, there are also sites and chatrooms which glorify suicide and discuss in detail potential methods, availability, and lethality. Newer research suggests that the "Werther Effect" extends to websites and chatrooms supporting positive attitudes toward suicide and providing explicit details about suicide methods.

Does brain injury increase the odds of suicide attempts? Why?
Yes. In fact, people with brain injuries who also have emotional problems or substance abuse are up to twenty-one times more likely to attempt suicide. People with brain injury tend to be more impulsive, more easily overwhelmed by stress, more isolated, and more unhappy. Learn more about brain injury here.

What are the most common risk factors for teen suicide?

Check out risk factors.

What are the warning signs that a teen may be considering suicide?

Check out warning signs.

What are the most common triggering events for a suicide attempt?

Major life stressors, such as a death, divorce, loss of a romantic relationship, or school failure lead the way. Daily stressors, such as any task that doesn't seem manageable to a teen with overwhelmed coping resources, are also commonly sited causes. It is important to understand that the triggering event may seem minor to outside observers, but feels immense to the teen involved.

If we stop one suicide attempt, won't that teen just try again?

No. Suicide is usually an impulsive act triggered by a stressful event, like a break-up. Most teens do not make a second suicide attempt. Research suggests that teens who have problems with substance abuse, chronic health issues, a history of or ongoing sexual or physical abuse, or profound mental health issues like psychotic disorders may be most at risk for a second attempt.