In Our View: Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

Good parents worry about their teenagers in the summer. What happens if they go swimming in the river? What happens when they drive too fast? What if there’s alcohol or drugs at that party?

Parents should add another worry this year: What happens if my teen feels sad or hopeless, and has thoughts of suicide?

The 2014 state Heathy Youth Survey, released Wednesday, shows that an increasing number of Washington teens are having those thoughts.

The survey encompassed more than 200,000 Washington youths in 1,000 public schools. It found 16 percent of eighth-graders, 20 percent of sophomores and 18 percent of seniors reported they seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Among sophomores, 10 percent reported they had attempted suicide in the past year, compared with 8 percent in 2012. In 2014, 9 percent of eighth-graders and 8 percent of seniors reported they had attempted suicide in the past year.

Students also were asked if they ever felt so sad or hopeless every day for two weeks in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities. The results showed 27 percent of eighth-graders, 35 percent of sophomores, and 34 percent of seniors reported having these depressive feelings in the past year. According to the Department of Social and Health Services, this is a significant increase from 2012 for both 10th- and 12th-graders.

Two local incidents this month underscore the gravity of these statistics. A 16-year-old Mountain View High School student killed himself on June 8. A week later, a 17-year-old Prairie High School student took his own life.

What can be done? The state Legislature is expected to increase funding for mental health programs in the 2015-17 budget. That’s a step. But responsibility also falls onto those who worry about their loved ones.

“It’s especially important while kids are on summer break that they be engaged in meaningful activities with positive, caring adult role models they can turn to for support,” said DSHS Secretary Kevin W. Quigley.

“When a teen struggles with feelings of depression, having a trusted adult who will listen to their feelings and not judge them is vital,” said Vicki Wagner, executive director of Washington’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program. “Learn the warning signs, show you care, ask if they are thinking about suicide, and if so, suggest that they seek professional help or call the suicide prevention hotline (1-800-273-TALK).”

Wagner’s program advises parents to watch for these signs. These warning signs are especially noteworthy in light of a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member; a recent breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents; or news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community.

The more signs you see, the greater the risk:

• A previous suicide attempt.

• Current talk of suicide or making a plan.

• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death.

• Giving away prized possessions.

• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal.

• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use.

• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye.

This summer, it may not be possible to keep our teenagers from doing reckless things. But we share a responsibility as a community to watch, listen and intervene to reduce teen suicides.