Behind the behavior: Understanding the Risk of Self-Harm and Suicide in Teens
The risk of self-harm and suicide in teens stems from mental health conditions, natural impulsivity, personal history, and environmental or social stressors.
What is the difference between suicide and self-harm?
To further understand this we must first ensure we can identify what suicide and self-harm are. Suicide is a form of self-destructive behavior one engages in with the intent to cause death. Self-harm is when an individual harms their body intentionally without the intent to cause death.
Understanding the Risk Factors in Teens.
In teenagers we begin to see an increase in risk factors of suicidal thoughts and self-harm due to a struggle of coping with life’s additional challenges while experiencing a emotional distress. This can look like a teen experiencing the following:
Mental health concerns, such as an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Social rejection in forms of bullying or difficulties in relationships.
Conflict, trauma, or significant loss within the family.
Social isolation or feeling hopeless
Previous self-harm events or suicide attempts.
Impulsivity with access to lethal means.
This struggle can begin a domino effect and increase premature thoughts, considerations, or the act of wanting to end one's life. During the teenage stage of brain development, the part of our brain in charge of impulse control is still developing. Combine this decreased ability of impulse with an underlining mental health condition or life experience and the day to day life stressors can increase self-harm and suicide. However, these risk factors do not automatically equal a suicide attempt or self-harm. Protective factors such as access to proper mental health care, supportive relationships, and connections can make a lasting difference.
Recognizing Warning Signs for Risk Factors
Possible warning signs in teens may include the following changes:
Rapid withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, family members, or friends.
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden to others.
Wearing long sleeves and sweats even when the temperature is high outside.
Verbalizing or writing wanting to die or kill themselves
Interacting with harmful social media post around suicide and self-harm.
Giving charised belongings away and or saying goodbye
Increased activities in dangerous behaviors or substance use
These warnings signs do not automatically mean you teen will or is engaging in self-harm or suicidal thoughts/behaviors. They are simply circumstances to pay attention to and explore once you initially notice them.
Concrete Steps to Take as a Parent
Start a conversation by asking direct questions. For parents it can be challenging to begin an open discussion with their teen about self-harm and suicidal thoughts or actions they have taken. However it is extremely important to acknowledge their emotions in a nonjudgemental manner. Telling their teen directly “I have noticed you may be struggling recently, and want to remind you I am always here for you. Have you had thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?”. This step is crucial as it makes a taboo topic feel supported and acceptable to talk about.
Focus on compassion and support first. Parents can focus on supporting their teens with compassion by possibly stating “Thank you for trusting me with this information.” or “You are not alone in this”. Immediately responding with trying to solve the problem can make their child feel unheard or as if there is actually something wrong with them that needs to be fixed.
Seek help. Experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm require seeking professional help due to the importance of protecting their teens safety. However, determining this severity is not something you have to do alone. Depending on which is determined, begin the process by seeking a professional follow-up or urgent evaluation. Ask your child how they would feel seeing a mental health professional and explain to them how it may look. If you are immediately concerned go directly to any nearby emergency department, or contact 988 the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Take necessary safety precautions. In self-harm and suicide it is important to ensure teens do not still have access to harmful items. Ask your child what they are using or plan to use what self-harming or carrying out suicide. Immediately remove these objects from the house or place in a locked container in a spot you would notice if it went missing. In the event their teen does not want to share what item(s), you simply remove lethal means, such as the following, in the environment. Prescription/over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies, alcohol, sharp objects, belts, ropes, and firearms/bullets should always be immediately removed or locked away out of their teens' environment.
Resources Teens have Readily Available
Resource: Individual Psychotherapy
What it offers: Ongoing, tailored mental health support with a mental health professional.
Resource: Family Therapy
What it offers: Can assist family members in strengthening communication, ability to understand each other, and build support as the entire family may be impacted.
Resource: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers: This is a free 24/7 support line where you may text or call for help.
Resource: Outpatient programs
What it offers: This structured program allows teens to experience mental health care a few days a week while maintaining a regular routine and returning home each day.
Resource: Inpatient programs
What it offers: This structure program allows for 24/7 support for intensive treatment around other teens that may be experiencing the same thing.
Resource: Peer support groups
What it offers: These meetings can strengthen community and support. Use this link and type in your zip code to find available ones near you! https://twloha.com/find-help/help-by-topic/self-injury/
*In the event you, your child, or anyone you may know, needs immediate help due to suicidal thoughts/behaviors please text or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (Spanish and English services are provided). If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or visit the nearby emergency department.
References
Center for Suicide Prevention and Research Blog Posts. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (2026). https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/research/areas-of-research/institute-for-mental-and-behavioral-health-research/suicide-prevention-and-research/cspr-blog-posts
Gupta, R. K., Pandita, V., & Gupta, U. (2024). Teen Suicide Prevention. JK Science : Journal of Medical Education and Research, 26(2), 71–72.
Hamilton, J. L., Untawale, S., Dalack, M. N., Thai, A. B., Kleiman, E. M., & Yao, A. (2025). Self-Harm Content on Social Media and Proximal Risk for Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adolescents. JAACAP Open, 3(3), 431–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaacop.2024.11.008
Self-injury prevention resources. TWLOHA. (2023, March 22). https://twloha.com/find-help/help-by-topic/self-injury/
