Train up a child…
Many Teens Consider Suicide

Teens have a great deal to cope with in a short period of time. It is not surprising that many become confused and give up hope. Research shows that there are contributing factors to teen depression that may lead to suicide. They are:
a new family formation (e.g. step-parents and step-siblings)
moving to a different community
physical or sexual abuse and emotional neglect
exposure to domestic violence
alcoholism in the home
substance abuse
divorce of parents

We should always take talk about suicide seriously. In addition to talk of suicide, there are other signs to watch for. However, since the teen years are so turbulent, these signs might appear anyway and not just when a teen is thinking of suicide. It is helpful to know them, however. Here are a few:
difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
neglect of personal appearance
obvious changes in personality
sadness and hopelessness (use of phrases such as, “What’s the use?” )
changes in eating patterns such as sudden weight gain or loss
changes in sleep patterns
general lethargy or lack of energy
violent actions
drug and alcohol use
symptoms that are often related to emotional state such as headaches, fatigue, stomach aches
loss of ability to tolerate praise or rewards
withdrawal from family or peers
loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
Teens need to know that God has a purpose for their lives. If they believe in heaven and hell in afterlife, they will not think that suicide ends everything. A teen has a hard time understanding that time often takes care of problems and that their problems will pass. Sometimes, they mistakenly think that they will get even with someone by making them feel badly that they took their own life, not realizing that they won’t be around to experience the feelings they caused.
We need to be patient and understanding with our teens. Their problems are very real to them. What we may think is a little thing may be a very big thing in their perspective.