Suicide rates among American preteens have surged in recent years, with the greatest increase observed among girls, according to a peer-reviewed study published on July 30.
Researchers found that suicide rates among preteens declined between 2001 and 2007, only to increase “significantly” by 8.2 percent annually beginning in 2008.
Before 2008, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death among female preteens. After 2008, suicide rates increased to become the 5th leading cause of death for girls.
No such changes were observed among male preteens, with suicides remaining the fifth leading cause of death during the entire period.
Black preteens were found to have the highest suicide rate while their Hispanic peers saw the highest percentage increase in suicides.
“These findings highlight a need to better understand suicide risk among racial and ethnic subgroups,” the researchers said.
“This study provides a foundation for future research to explore unique factors associated with preteen suicide.”
The researchers called for “culturally informed and developmentally appropriate prevention efforts” targeting preteen suicides.
Public Health Crisis
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls suicidal behavior among youth and young adults a “major public health crisis,” pointing out that it is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 24.Young people who face barriers to health care or experience stigma when seeking mental health services may be more susceptible to suicidal tendencies.
“Most youth who die by suicide show some warning signs and behavior changes,” AAP states. This includes talking about killing oneself, feeling as if there is no reason to live, feeling like a burden, feeling hopeless, and mood changes such as depression and anxiety.
Other indicators of suicidal tendency include increased substance use, isolation from family and friends, withdrawal from activities, and giving away prized possessions.
“It is important to note that not all youth who are at risk of suicide will show these warning signs, and not all youth who exhibit these behaviors are at risk for suicide,” the group warned.
Stronger economic support such as improved household financial security and healthy social connections such as engaging with community members in shared activities can minimize the risk of suicide, it said.
Getting Help
The CDC encouraged people to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if they experience mental health stress or know about a loved one undergoing such situations.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the federal government has been working to improve suicide prevention efforts.
In April, the administration launched a new National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and a Federal Action Plan.
“The 10-year national strategy focuses on community-based suicide prevention; crisis response and treatment, surveillance, research, and quality control; and health equity in suicide prevention,” a HHS spokesperson told The Epoch Times on Aug. 1.
Two researchers involved with the July 30 study reported conflicts of interest. One researcher received grants from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and other sources. The second researcher served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Clarigent Health and received additional grants.
Funding for the study was provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as well as the National Institutes for Health through its various agencies. Funders had no role in the conduct of the study, the paper said.
