As suicide attempts rise, resources give hope to teens
By Angelica Ramirez | Contributor
One day at a local school, an eighth-grade student approached Vanita Halliburton and quietly passed her a folded note. Halliburton, co-founder of the Grant Halliburton Foundation, had just delivered a presentation on suicide prevention to the eighth graders. The Grant Halliburton Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Dallas that aims to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues among children, teenagers, and young adults.
“Would you like me to read this now?” Halliburton inquired. The student nodded.
On the note, the student wrote:
“I was bullied for four years. I self-harmed for three years. I’ve been hospitalized six times. I’ve attempted suicide twice.”
Mental health challenges like these are becoming more prevalent among today’s adolescents, as highlighted by a recent research study from Vanderbilt University.
The study indicates a growing number of suicide-related hospital visits among teens. By analyzing over 115,000 cases between 2008 and 2015, researchers observed that the rate of emergency room and hospital visits for suicide-related issues nearly tripled, increasing from 0.66 percent to 1.82 percent. Half of these cases involved individuals aged 15 to 17, and almost 13 percent involved those aged 5 to 11.
Vanderbilt researchers noted that hospital visits for suicidal thoughts or actions were more frequent during the school year and less common in the summer, suggesting that school life may have an impact. Furthermore, the increase was most pronounced among adolescent girls.
“On average, across the eight years included in the study, only 18.5 percent of annual suicide ideation and suicide attempt encounters happened during the summer months,” said Dr. Gregory Plemmons, the lead author of the study and an associate professor of pediatrics at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “The peaks were highest in the fall and spring.”
Sierra Sanchez, the director of outreach and education at the Grant Halliburton Foundation, explains that students often experience heightened stress during the school year.
“What we frequently observe is that students feel lonely and isolated throughout the school year,” Sanchez stated. “It’s easy for teenagers to compare themselves to others and think, ‘I’m the only one struggling; I’m the only one facing these challenges.’”
Plemmons believes multiple factors contribute to the increase in suicide-related hospital visits among teens.
“There are numerous known contributors, such as cyberbullying and bullying, traumatic experiences, and the negative impact of daily news. The environment is markedly different for children today. This is the first generation that has grown up without knowing life beyond social media,” Plemmons explains. “We need to consider how much this influences young people and whether we are inadvertently imposing excessive pressure and performance anxiety on them.”
Sanchez concurs, emphasizing that developing positive coping skills is critical for mental well-being. “Often, students refrain from seeking help as they don’t want to discuss their struggles. Bullying is at unprecedented levels, and students frequently feel utterly alone,” Sanchez expressed. “We hope that by introducing healthy and constructive ways to manage stress, depression, or other mental health issues, students will feel encouraged to seek help and improve their situation.”
In the community, resources are readily available. The Grant Halliburton Foundation provides education on mental health issues through presentations in schools and the broader community, teaching individuals how to recognize signs of psychological distress and intervene before a manageable mental illness escalates into a crisis or tragedy. Last year, the Foundation trained over 31,500 students, teachers, parents, and professionals in mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Sanchez notes that parents can support teens facing suicidal thoughts or ideation. They should aim to establish open channels of communication, set appropriate boundaries, and provide care and understanding.
“We must become more educated on this topic and change how we discuss suicide and mental health in our homes and classrooms,” Sanchez insists. “This is the initial step toward genuine change. And true change brings hope.” The young girl who gave Halliburton the note shares this belief as well.
Teenage Depression
What are the common triggers of depression for teens?
– Academic stress
– Family financial challenges
– Romantic difficulties
– Peer pressure
– Traumatic incidents
– Divorcing parents
– Genetic predispositions
What are the symptoms of depression?
– Persistent sadness throughout the day
– Increased irritability and crankiness
– Loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities
– Chronic fatigue
– Sleep disturbances
– Appetite fluctuations
– Decline in academic performance
– Diminished empathy
– Reduced motivation
– Low self-esteem
What are the warning signs of suicidal thinking?
– Feelings of hopelessness regarding the future
– Significant behavior or personality shifts
– Uncharacteristically impulsive, reckless, or risk-taking behavior
– Expressions of rage, uncontrolled anger, or aggressive actions
– Obsession with death, dying, or suicide through conversation, writing, or art
– Giving away valuables
– Lack of interest in personal appearance
– Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs
– Alienation from friends, family, and society
– Extreme anxiety or agitation
– Insomnia or excessive sleeping
– Recent experiences of severe stress
– Previous suicide attempts or exposure to another’s suicidal actions
– Comments such as:
“I’m so tired. I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”
“I don’t want to be a burden anymore.”
“I want you to be aware of something, in case something happens to me.”
How can parents communicate with their teens?
– Educate yourself about depression
– Listen without lecturing
– Validate their emotions
– Provide genuine support
– Seek treatment for your teenager if necessary
– Stay involved in their treatment
– Advocate for physical activity and a nutritious diet
– Teach your teens about the dangers of substance abuse
For more information about depression, suicide, and mental health resources:
(972) 744-9790
