ABOUT
Suicidality means a person’s tendency to have recurrent thoughts, urges, or attempts to end their life. There is no single cause for increased suicidality, but rather several risk factors that contribute to recurrent suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Risk factors include substance abuse, recent loss, exposure to a frightening, dangerous, or violent event, and the presence of psychological disorders such as mood disorders, or anxiety disorder. A family history of suicide, parental psychiatric disorders, and a history of sexual abuse all may increase the risk of suicidality.
If you suspect your keiki may be experiencing increased suicidality, please seek professional help immediately. A detailed assessment by a mental health professional along with family support are key steps to keeping your keiki safe. Please call The National Suicidal Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 any time, as they are staffed with professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Hawaiʻi, you can call the Crisis Line at: 808-832-2100 (from Oʻahu) or 800-753-6879 (Toll free from the neighbor islands). The crisis line provides access to mobile crisis outreach for children and youth in Hawaiʻi. You can also text ALOHA to 741741, the Crisis Text Line, to text with a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7.
FACTS
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens and young adults ages 15-24 nationwide, and the second leading cause of death among young people in Hawaiʻi.
Most people who take their lives show one or more warning signs. Fortunately, suicide is preventable with parental support and appropriate treatment.
Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide.
Unaddressed conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems increase the risk for suicide.
There are newer evidence-based treatments that address suicidal thoughts directly and may lead to rapid improvement.
WHAT A PARENT WOULD NOTICE IN THEIR KEIKI
Change in behavior or presence of entirely new behaviors (especially if it is related to a painful event, loss, or change):
Increased or new use of alcohol/drugs
Searching for a way to end their lives
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Starting fights or being destructive
Feeling over tired
Recklessness or engaging in risky behaviors
If a person talks about:
Killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain
Concerning behaviors:
Increased use of alcohol/drugs
Searching for a way to end their lives
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Fatigue
Concerning mood changes:
Depression
Anxiety
Loss of interest
Irritability
Humiliation/Shame
Agitation/Anger
Relief/Sudden Improvement
RISK FACTORS
Mental health conditions:
Depression
Substance use problems
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Aggression, mood changes, poor relationships
Conduct disorder
Anxiety disorders
Physical health conditions including pain
Traumatic brain injury
Environmental factors:
Access to deadly means, including firearms and drugs
Prolonged stress, including harassment, bullying, relationship problems, or unemployment
Stressful life events, such as rejection, financial crisis, life transitions or loss
Exposure to another person’s suicide
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma (being exposed to frightening, dangerous, or violent events).
Information for this site has been obtained from the following resources:
