Every suicide is a tragedy, and to some degree a mystery.
Are children at risk of suicide?
The overall risk that a child will hurt him- or herself is small. But it is certainly possible for a child or teen to experience suicidal thoughts or, sadly, to die by suicide. While the risk tends to be highest during the teen years, children as young as 5 have been known to think about or die by suicide. Parents can help by learning to recognize common warning signs of suicidality (like sudden changes in mood, frequent talk about "going away" or dying, or risky, impulsive behavior), seeking mental healthcare for children who may be at risk, and fostering an environment where children feel safe talking about their emotions and their challenges.
For more, see Children, Teens, and Suicide Risk.
Understanding Understanding Suicide
Understanding Suicide is a complex topic with many dimensions. Research in psychology and neuroscience has significantly advanced our understanding in recent years.
Practical Implications
Understanding understanding suicide has real-world applications in:
- Personal mental health and wellbeing
- Relationships and communication
- Professional performance and leadership
- Parenting and education
Explore More About Understanding Suicide
For a comprehensive understanding of understanding suicide, read our complete guide: