EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Suicide deaths continue to be a concern for mental health advocates.
In 2023, El Paso reported 100 suicides. Out of that number, nine were in the age range of 11-19.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a steady increase in suicide mortality from 2000 through 2020. Emergence Health Network shared common warning signs parents and caregivers can look out for if they suspect someone is having suicidal thoughts.
“Changes in behavior, personality and emotions. So if you have a child who typically likes to hang out with their friends, maybe do some afterschool activities and sports, and they no longer feel interested or it’s no longer appealing to them to do it, that might be a good time to have a conversation with your teen,” said Krista Wingate, director of the Children and Adolescent Clinic with EHN.
Other signs to recognize include:
Reckless behavior
Increase substance use
Giving away personal belongings
Threatening to hurt of kill oneself
Withdrawing from others
Feeling hopeless
Previous suicide attempts
Wingate is also a child therapist with EHN. She said talking with a child or teenager about suicide can be a difficult conversation but “at the end of the day, it’s for their safety.”
She said approaching the conversation by being upfront and transparent will go a long way with children and address the concern head-on.
While there could be many factors that contribute to suicidal or self-harm ideations, Wingate says a big one is at the fingertips of many adolescents.
“Social media has a lot to do with the distress and the body image problems that teenagers have. I think it’s really important for parents to check out their teens’ social media, maybe sit down next to them after dinner and scroll through their Instagram or their Facebook. So, it doesn’t have to feel invasive like you’re looking at it. You’re not going behind their back, but maybe you’re making it something you guys do together,” Wingate said.
If you do plan on speaking with loved one about your concern over their behavioral health, health experts recommend doing so without a dismissive tone and coming from a stance of support.
Wingate said: “A lot of times parents will tend to compare their own childhood and upbringing experiences, and they’ll say things like, ‘Well, back in my day, I didn’t have this, or I had to do that.’ That can be really triggering to a lot of teens, and it makes them feel like they’re not being heard, makes them feel like their emotions and their thoughts are being pushed aside.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, EHN’s hotline is available to call at (915) 779-1800. A suicide and crisis lifeline is also available to talk, text or chat with someone at 9-8-8.
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