Teen Suicide-- A Leading Cause of Death

47,173 Americans died of suicide in 2017, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the USA ¹. It’s the 3rd largest cause of teenage deaths, only falling short of accidents and homicide ².

Suicide doesn’t discriminate. Anyone of any gender, age, race or socioeconomic status might feel suicidal at any point in their lives – even if they “have it all” or appear to be happy from the outside.

However, teenagers are specifically at risk for suicide.

Teenage years are a stressful time and there are many major physical and emotional changes to contend with. Puberty transforms the body in new and strange ways and hormones wreck havoc with moods and emotions. Teenagers go through strong feelings of confusion, fear, stress and doubt – perhaps more intense and traumatic than anything they have faced so far in their lives.

Teenagers feel a strong pressure to succeed, and they can also feel frustrated and anxious about their future. New situations (such as moving to a new location or starting at a different school) can feel daunting and intimidating.

If you have a teenager you care about in your life, it’s important to be aware of the mental health and suicide risks they are facing. On this resource page, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about teenage suicide and practical information for what to do if you are concerned about a loved one.