Parenting Troubled Teens: Family Factors May Contribute to the Rise of Teen Suicide

Teen depression and suicide is a troubling and widespread issue. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reports suicide as the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds. Major depression is the most commonly associated mental disorder associated with suicide in troubled teens.

The study of teenage mental health and suicide is fairly recent and began in the 1950s when studies found that teens experience depression much like adults. At this time studies found depression in less than 1% of teenagers. It was in the 1960s that suicide among teens increased. In the 1970s, studies found that suicidal behavior may be contagious. In the 1980s, the rate of teen suicide increased rapidly.

The Diagnostic Statistic Manual on Mental Disorders (DSMIII) finally defined depression in youth as a separate disorder. Through the media, public attention was drawn to the issue and programs and campaigns aimed at prevention were developed. The 1990s saw the rise in anti-depression drugs to prevent suicide. Today, experts believe that the role of strong social identity and family cohesion plays a large part in suicide prevention.

Family Issues and Their Role in Teenage Suicide

Research from the University of Southern California found that teenagers who had attempted suicide came from families with a much higher percentage of divorce, separation or remarriage within the past five years. In this group, teens were also much more likely to have experienced numerous separations from their families, such as foster care placement. Because the teenager may be missing the support of parents’ or other caregiver’s love, time, and attention, these familial issues often lead to problems in school, isolation and depression.

Another risk factor is a family history of suicide, as biological relatives of a suicidal person are more likely to attempt or succeed in suicide. Understand that if there are problems within your family structure that go unaddressed, your teen may experience personal struggles as a result.

Warning Signs

If you are parenting a troubled teen, recognize that there are behaviors that may suggest he or she may be considering suicide. Dr. Lisa Boesky in "When to Worry: How to Tell if Your Teen Needs Help – and What to Do about It" explains that while suicidal thoughts are common, serious contemplation, planning and verbal threats of suicide are not.

If your teen makes suicidal statements, becomes preoccupied with death, isolates and withdraws, experiences deep depression this may indicate true suicidal risks. In addition, if you notice serious, unexpected changes in personality, it is time to act. Your teenager should be evaluated by a teen suicide specialist in the mental health care field.

Parenting a troubled teen takes a lot of patience and understanding. Through education and awareness, you can take a proactive rather than reactive approach to dealing with parenting challenges.