Child and teenage suicide

However one in 20 teenagers is affected by depression, where these low feelings go on, worsen and interfere with their daily lives.

Symptoms which may be due to depression include moodiness, irritability, poor concentration, tearfulness and being withdrawn. Loneliness, guilt and self-hatred can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and despair. You may also notice someone who is depressed is less interested in their appearance, hygiene or health. They may seem more tired, have sleep problems, poor appetite and have lost interest in their usual hobbies.

Children often feel isolated, afraid of talking to their family or friends and often don’t know who to turn to. Young children especially may find it hard to put into words how they feel but instead act out their emotions in a way that their family may not understand. They may have family problems – parents separating or who have problems of their own such as money problems which the child feels, inappropriately guilty about. Death of a grandparent or other family member, neglect, abuse, isolation, bullying and physical illness are all frequent triggers to teenage depression and suicide. Drug and alcohol use are increasingly common in teenagers and also play a part in the development of depression and altered behaviour which can lead to a suicide attempt.

There were 1,722 adolescent and juvenile deaths by suicide in the UK between 1997 and 2003, almost all were young people were aged 15-19, three-quarters were male and overall, the most common methods of suicide were hanging, followed by self-poisoning.

Suicide is rare under the age of 14, because young children lack the ability or understanding to act it out. Older children are much more likely to consider suicide impulsively and the numbers who attempt suicide is rising. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has information especially for young people about suicide. Suicide of a child or teenager is devastating for the family and friends who may wonder why the child did not feel able to reach out to them and tell them what they felt, and who may feel numbness, disbelief and guilt at not being there to stop them

Younger women are more likely to resort to deliberate self-harm and attempted suicide, rather than suicide itself. Whilst it is important to distinguish between impulsive acts of self-harm and planned, organised attempts to end their life, in most suicides, the person has taken steps to ensure they aren't discovered until afterwards but most people contemplating suicide do try to raise the subject with a relative, friend or doctor.

If a friend or relative tells you of their feelings of depression or hopelessness remember to try to be as normal with them as you can - they have come to you because they trust you as the person you are. There are no 'right' things to say, just try to remain calm, be sympathetic, don't argue or even try to solve problems or give advice, just listen and be there for them. Encourage them to talk, express their worries and feelings and don’t worry if they are silent for a little while. You can ask if they are considering suicide – you wont be putting the thought in their head but allowing them to express how bad they feel. Then be clear that they need professional help and be certain to help them access it.

Getting help

When children feel they can’t turn to their parents or family, simply talking to someone they trust such as a teacher, their family doctor or practice nurse may help. Most schools have trained school counsellors used to talking to children and teens about the sort of problems they may be facing and with experience of how to deal with them. Helplines such as Childline ( 08001111, free and confidential) and the Samaritans ( 08457 909090 ) have experienced counsellors who will support a distressed child and get them help.

When depression continues or worsens, and if the child has expressed suicidal ideas, it's important to seek treatment. Much as the G.P. will try to persuade a child to involve their parents, they will see an under-16 without their parents if it is felt they are able to understand the implications and there is no risk to that child. The G.P. can refer them to the available sources of help, usually the local child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) who will carry out a careful assessment and discuss what is the right treatment for them. Many teens will get better on their own with counselling, support and understanding but where the symptoms are severe and persistent, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of talking treatment that helps someone understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviour, can help. Family therapy and interpersonal therapy can also be very useful.

Antidepressant medication may also be of use in severe depression but may need to be taken for many months. However none of the antidepressants are licensed for use in people under the age of 18, but after careful assessment they can be prescribed by child and adolescent psychiatrists, who will then monitor the child very regularly.

Talk to your doctor or get advice from The Compassionate Friends, which runs local support groups for parents bereaved through suicide