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Recognizing Teens at
Risk - Risk Factors
There is no suicidal type, but the
presence of the following factors make
it more likely that a teen will have
suicidal feelings:
- helplessness or hopelessness
- abuse of alcohol and other drugs
- loner - socially isolated
- recent suicide of family member or
friend
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Warning Signs
Although a single traumatic event
like the breakup of a relationship or
being cut from the team can trigger an
unexpected suicide, teens almost
always send out signals, such as:
- talking or joking about suicide
- increased and/or heavy use of
alcohol and other drugs
- making preparations for death such
as giving away prized possessions
- exhibiting sudden changes in
school or social behavior and changes
in attendance
- sudden decline in academic
performance
- sudden failure to complete
assignments
- lack of interest/withdrawal
- changed relationship with
classmates
- increased irritability or
aggressiveness
- wide mood swings, unexpected
displays of emotion
- preoccupation with death and
suicide (eg. writing about it,
drawing pictures of people
committing suicide or dead)
- a party animal becomes withdrawn
or vice versa
- disturbed sleep, loss of appetite
- loss of interest in previously
important relationships
- appearance and personal care
change suddenly
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