Suicidality in Teens

Life isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth pushing through. Teens tend to joke about ending their lives when they’re having a hard time or experiencing an inconvenience. But it’s important to remember that suicide isn’t a joke. And if you’re constantly making remarks about ending your life, it could be a sign of suicidality.

Suicidality isn’t a mental disorder, but it’s a symptom that can stem from other disorders that may cause overwhelming negative feelings, such as sadness and hopelessness. If you’re struggling with suicidality, it’s important to get immediate support and treatment.

If you’re experiencing severe suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline now, by dialing 988.

What Is Suicidality?

Suicidality refers to the risk of suicide due to thoughts and behaviors led by a feeling of hopelessness. It usually manifests as suicidal intent or ideation.

Unfortunately, these thoughts aren’t uncommon among teenagers. About 20% of high school students in the U.S. have had serious suicidal thoughts, with 9% reporting an attempt at taking their own life.

What Are The Symptoms Of Suicidality?

The signs of suicidality in teens include:

  • Saying suicidal thoughts or jokes during conversations
  • Increased irritability
  • Feeling hopeless or trapped
  • Giving away possessions
  • Intense feelings of sadness or anger
  • Impulsive or reckless behavior
  • Isolating away from others

Factors that can increase the risk of suicidality in teens include:

  • Mental health disorders, including depression and PTSD
  • Family history of suicide
  • Substance use
  • Self-harm

Lightfully Teen Can Help Reduce Your Suicidality

Suicidality is a dangerous symptom that can come from severe mental and emotional distress. But Lightfully Teen is here to help reduce your risk of suicide and increase your hope for a happy and healthy future.

Process-based therapy can help your suicidality in our three levels of care: Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also called our Day Treatment Program.

These programs are often the next stops following a mental health crisis treatment through inpatient care, or a visit to the emergency room. Remember, you’re not alone. If suicidality is a struggle you’re dealing with, we’re here to help.

How Can Lightfully Teen Help Treat Suicidality?

If you’re experiencing severe suicidal thoughts, call emergency services or speak to your mental health provider about being admitted into an inpatient treatment center. You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

If you’re not in a mental health crisis, then Lightfully Teen can help you get to the root of your mental and emotional distress. We use process-based therapy (PBT) so that you can look at your mental health from every angle to determine the factors contributing to suicidal thoughts. It’s a personalized clinical model that makes sure that you’re treating your entire well-being, not just your mental health disorder or symptoms.

Teens can progress through their mental health journey by going through PBT integrated interventions, such as values clarification, family interventions and motivational enhancement. It allows them to see measurable results.

The interventions stem from four core processes that may contribute to suicidality:

  • Difficulty with emotions
  • Difficulty with thoughts
  • Difficulty with behaviors
  • Difficulty with relationships

Get Connected Today

We’re here when you’re ready. Send us a message using the link below or give us a call at 916.269.5371. Let us help shine a light on your path.

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