The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Teen suicide is a growing concern worldwide and is often misunderstood. Understanding the causes of suicide in teens is crucial to its prevention. It helps identify at-risk teens and address their risk factors before it’s too late. It also creates opportunities to teach coping skills that enable adolescents to deal with crises.
In this article, you will understand the most common suicide risk factors, how to identify them, and where to seek help. If your son or daughter shows signs of suicide or hassuicidal thoughts, talk to our team atNexus Teen Academyfor immediate assistance.
Understanding Teen Suicide: A Public Health Perspective
Suicide in Adolescents by the Numbers
Suicide was the fourth leading cause of death amongteens aged 15-19in 2019. It was the third leading cause of death among girls and the fourth among boys of the same age group.Suicide rates increasedbetween 2000 and 2022 by about 36%, and suicide was responsible for 49,316 deaths in 2023.
Suicide rates among adolescents have risen over the past 30 years. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 51% increase in emergency department visits forsuicide attempts by adolescent girls. Barriers to reporting suicide cases, ideation, and attempts include psychosocial and cultural factors and hinder prevention processes.
Warning Signs vs. Root Causes of Teen Suicide
Behavioral warning signs of suicide are indicators that a teen has suicidal thoughts or intends to attempt suicide. They include the following:
Withdrawal from loved ones
Giving away valued items
Engaging in dangerous or high-risk behaviors
Sleep or appetite changes
These warning signs are not the causes of suicide in teens, but they tell you when to worry and take action. Underlying causes of suicide are factors that can directly cause or increase the risks of suicidal behavior and thoughts. They include:
Mental health issues
Substance use
Different forms of abuse
Different forms of bullying
At the point of identifying warning signs, most teenagers may have attempted suicide or seriously considered it. Focusing on understanding and addressing the causes of suicide leads to better and earlier prevention. It’s because some underlying causes take time to become significant risk factors for suicide. They may slowly develop, affecting different aspects of a teen’s life. If you address these causes early on, your teen may not get to the point of forming suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.
Mental Health Conditions That Increase Suicide Risk
Depression and Major Mood Disorders
Common signs ofteen depressionand major mood disorders include:
Persistent Sadness: Depression-related sadness lasts for at least a few weeks.
Hopelessness: Teenagers may feel that things will never get better or that they have no future.
Feelings of Worthlessness: Depression can cause feelings of inadequacy, a low self-image, or a sense of low self-worth.
Common signs ofteen anxietydisorders and panic attacks include:
Chronic Fear: Persistent, excessive worry of real or perceived threats and stressors.
Social Anxiety: Persistent, excessive fear of social situations.
Fear of the Future: Anticipatory fear with worry about the outcome of future events.
Anxiety disorders become a suicide risk when they cause the fear of being a burden. Teenagers may withdraw from or avoid sharing their struggles with their loved ones. As a result, they suffer more pain and loneliness in silence. Teenagers can feel uncomfortable when friends and family members show empathy or try to be close. Ultimately, this fear causes emotional burnout due to the suppression of feelings.
Bipolar Disorder and Impulsivity
Common signs of bipolar disorder and impulsivity include:
Drastic Mood Swings: Sudden and drastic changes in emotional state due to changes in brain chemical levels.
High-Risk Behaviors: They increase the likelihood of injuries or social problems. They include substance use, violence, and risky sexual behaviors.
Bipolar disorder can cause severe psychiatric distress, often associated with depression. During depressive episodes, teens can develop suicidal thoughts because of the following:
Increased loneliness
Low social support due to social withdrawal
Intense sadness and hopelessness
Disinterest in most activities most of the time
Environmental and Social Contributors to Teen Suicide
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Here’s how different forms of bullying can increase the risk of suicide:
Humiliation: Teenagers can feel helpless due to the perception of unfairness.
Isolation: Teens can withdraw due to the fear of being bullied.
Emotional Trauma: Feelings of powerlessness, anger, and fear can result inteen trauma.
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that happens on digital devices. It can occur over the following:
Mobile, tablet, or computer apps
Social media platforms
Gaming platforms
Online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can amplify the threats of cyberbullying and its risks to teen mental health.
Family Dysfunction or Abuse
Problems at home can contribute to suicidal ideation or behaviors. Here’s how:
Witnessing domestic violence can increase an adolescent’s depressive and aggressive symptoms.
Emotional neglect can make teens feel that life has lost meaning.
Emotional invalidation can cause severe emotional dysregulation.
Challenges that parents undergo can also affect teenagers and increase their risk of suicide. Teens whose parents have the following mental health conditions are at a higher risk:
Major depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Substance use disorder
Adolescents with both parents affected by mental illnesses or substance use face a greater risk than those with only one affected parent.
Academic Pressure and Future Anxiety
Here’s how academic pressure can contribute to teenage suicide risk:
Fear of failure or underperforming is common among teens with challenges liketeen ADHD. It can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.
Perfectionism can cause chronic stress and develop into anxiety. Some teenagers can set unrealistic academic standards. Failing to meet their expectations can cause hopelessness and feelings of low self-worth.
Moreover, emotional support improves a teen’s coping skills. Lacking it in school or home environments can increase stress and lower self-esteem.
Family members who criticize adolescents and set unrealistic expectations can increase the risks of teen depression. Teenagers may internalize the criticism with harsh self-talk in statements like, “I’m not good enough.”
Pressure to meet teacher expectations, perform well, or prepare for college can also cause significant stress, leading to the development of anxiety or depression.
Identity, Belonging, and Marginalization
LGBTQ+ Identity and Rejection
Some teenagers are discriminated against or bullied based on their identity. Among them, others are rejected by family, peers, and society. As a result, these teenagers become isolated and lack social support. Without a support system, they will not have someone to turn to for help when they feel overwhelmed.
Adolescents who experience gender dysphoria are also at risk of engaging inteen self-harmor forming suicidal thoughts. Gender dysphoria is distress caused by a mismatch between a teen’s sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. This distress can cause significant disruption in a teen’s daily life.
Racial or Cultural Discrimination
Teens of color face systemic stressors, such as:
Receiving unequal levels of care in mental health services. After self-harm incidents, they may fail to obtain a specialist assessment.
A mental health professional may consider them to be at a lower risk of suicide. They may fail to consider the teenager’s background, culture, and beliefs.
Adolescents from minority ethnic backgrounds also face alienation in school and community environments. They may experience incidents of microaggressions, such as:
Lower academic expectations
Dismissive remarks
Cultural stereotyping
Repeated discriminatory acts can build up to chronic stress and feelings of isolation.
Lack of Belonging or Social Isolation
Some adolescents don’t have friends; they may experience exclusion in social activities or interactions. Others lack meaningful relationships. These teenagers can develop a sense of low self-worth or become hopeless. Some can withdraw from social settings or their loved ones entirely.
Teens who feel invisible may believe their thoughts, emotions, and experiences are not valued. They can isolate or develop feelings of low self-esteem, which increases the risk of developing anxiety or depression. Ultimately, they may form suicidal thoughts, such as:
Nobody would miss them if they weren’t around.
Their lives aren’t valuable.
Other High-Risk Factors to Consider
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Alcohol or drugs lowers a teen’s inhibition. They can reduce awareness of negative emotions and disrupt healthy coping skills for stressors.
Mental illnesses can also affect how a teenager feels or behaves. Left untreated, they can increase the risks of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Mood disorders can co-occur with anxiety disorders, worsening a teen’s psychological distress. Bipolar disorder can also cause extreme highs and lows, which are suicide risk factors.
History of Trauma or PTSD
Traumatic events can leave teens with feelings of hopelessness or low self-esteem. Some struggle to manage their emotions and develop sleep problems. Combined, these changes can cause suicidal thoughts in teens with different forms of trauma, including:
Physical trauma
Emotional trauma
Sexual trauma
Teens with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) or a history of trauma can easily be triggered in their daily environments. Sounds, smells, or specific locations can bring back traumatic memories. Teens who experience intense emotional reactions from triggers can become intensely distressed.
Previous Suicide Attempts or Self-Harm
Previous suicide attempts or self-harm are strong predictors of future attempts. Teenagers can remain vulnerable for several years after the first attempt. Those with depressive disorders may continue to experience intense sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Thus, it’s important to address the underlying causes after an attempt.
Close, ongoing monitoring is necessary even after recovery. But remember that a teen’s comfort and overall well-being are also important. Get professional help, which can involve a combination of therapy, medication, and safety planning.
How Nexus Teen Academy Supports At-Risk Teens
Our trauma-informed care at Nexus Teen Academy helps prevent re-traumatization. It empowers teenagers to develop healthy coping strategies and create safety and trust. Our early intervention programs for suicide prevention includeteen cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) andteen family therapy. Our approaches incorporate empathy, inclusivity, and open communication to create emotional safety.
Our experienced therapists and medical professionals provide tailored recovery plans for adolescents with suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. We believe that no teen is ever beyond help. Contact us to Nexus Teen Academy today for teen mental health support and help with a suicidal or self-harming teen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What role does social media play in teen suicide?
Social media can increase the risk of teen suicide in the following ways:
Teenagers can experience cyberbullying or harassment on social media platforms. They may experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or intense sadness.
Teens are exposed to different lifestyles and experiences, leading to unhealthy comparisons. As a result, they may feel inadequate or develop low self-esteem.
Teens are exposed to self-harm content, which can negatively influence them. As a result, some teenagers may engage in high-risk behaviors.
Does every teen with depression think about suicide?
No, not every teen with depression thinks about suicide. Depressed teens whose symptoms don’t appear severe may be at risk of suicide, but it doesn’t mean they think about it. However, untreated depression can increase this risk since some symptoms don’t get better on their own; in fact, they may get worse.
What do I do if my teen talks about not wanting to live?
If your teen talks about not wanting to live, callor text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 as soon as possible. You can also chat at988 Lifeline. For further guidance on the way forward, please talk to our team atNexus Teen Academy.
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC and Nexus Teen Academy
Five honest questions. You’ll get a clear read on where things stand, and a licensed counselor can walk you through the next step. Private, no obligation.
Your reading
Here’s where things stand
If your teen is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or 911 now.
Most Common Causes of Suicide in Teens
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On November 10, 2025
Table of Contents
Teen suicide is a growing concern worldwide and is often misunderstood. Understanding the causes of suicide in teens is crucial to its prevention. It helps identify at-risk teens and address their risk factors before it’s too late. It also creates opportunities to teach coping skills that enable adolescents to deal with crises.
In this article, you will understand the most common suicide risk factors, how to identify them, and where to seek help. If your son or daughter shows signs of suicide or has suicidal thoughts, talk to our team at Nexus Teen Academy for immediate assistance.
We offer inpatient treatment for suicidal teens and can help get your son or daughter the help they need.
Understanding Teen Suicide: A Public Health Perspective
Suicide in Adolescents by the Numbers
Suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among teens aged 15-19 in 2019. It was the third leading cause of death among girls and the fourth among boys of the same age group. Suicide rates increased between 2000 and 2022 by about 36%, and suicide was responsible for 49,316 deaths in 2023.
Suicide rates among adolescents have risen over the past 30 years. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 51% increase in emergency department visits for suicide attempts by adolescent girls. Barriers to reporting suicide cases, ideation, and attempts include psychosocial and cultural factors and hinder prevention processes.
Warning Signs vs. Root Causes of Teen Suicide
Behavioral warning signs of suicide are indicators that a teen has suicidal thoughts or intends to attempt suicide. They include the following:
These warning signs are not the causes of suicide in teens, but they tell you when to worry and take action. Underlying causes of suicide are factors that can directly cause or increase the risks of suicidal behavior and thoughts. They include:
At the point of identifying warning signs, most teenagers may have attempted suicide or seriously considered it. Focusing on understanding and addressing the causes of suicide leads to better and earlier prevention. It’s because some underlying causes take time to become significant risk factors for suicide. They may slowly develop, affecting different aspects of a teen’s life. If you address these causes early on, your teen may not get to the point of forming suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.
Mental Health Conditions That Increase Suicide Risk
Depression and Major Mood Disorders
Common signs of teen depression and major mood disorders include:
Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks
Common signs of teen anxiety disorders and panic attacks include:
Anxiety disorders become a suicide risk when they cause the fear of being a burden. Teenagers may withdraw from or avoid sharing their struggles with their loved ones. As a result, they suffer more pain and loneliness in silence. Teenagers can feel uncomfortable when friends and family members show empathy or try to be close. Ultimately, this fear causes emotional burnout due to the suppression of feelings.
Bipolar Disorder and Impulsivity
Common signs of bipolar disorder and impulsivity include:
Bipolar disorder can cause severe psychiatric distress, often associated with depression. During depressive episodes, teens can develop suicidal thoughts because of the following:
Environmental and Social Contributors to Teen Suicide
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Here’s how different forms of bullying can increase the risk of suicide:
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that happens on digital devices. It can occur over the following:
Online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can amplify the threats of cyberbullying and its risks to teen mental health.
Family Dysfunction or Abuse
Problems at home can contribute to suicidal ideation or behaviors. Here’s how:
Challenges that parents undergo can also affect teenagers and increase their risk of suicide. Teens whose parents have the following mental health conditions are at a higher risk:
Adolescents with both parents affected by mental illnesses or substance use face a greater risk than those with only one affected parent.
Academic Pressure and Future Anxiety
Here’s how academic pressure can contribute to teenage suicide risk:
Moreover, emotional support improves a teen’s coping skills. Lacking it in school or home environments can increase stress and lower self-esteem.
Family members who criticize adolescents and set unrealistic expectations can increase the risks of teen depression. Teenagers may internalize the criticism with harsh self-talk in statements like, “I’m not good enough.”
Pressure to meet teacher expectations, perform well, or prepare for college can also cause significant stress, leading to the development of anxiety or depression.
Identity, Belonging, and Marginalization
LGBTQ+ Identity and Rejection
Some teenagers are discriminated against or bullied based on their identity. Among them, others are rejected by family, peers, and society. As a result, these teenagers become isolated and lack social support. Without a support system, they will not have someone to turn to for help when they feel overwhelmed.
Adolescents who experience gender dysphoria are also at risk of engaging in teen self-harm or forming suicidal thoughts. Gender dysphoria is distress caused by a mismatch between a teen’s sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. This distress can cause significant disruption in a teen’s daily life.
Racial or Cultural Discrimination
Teens of color face systemic stressors, such as:
Adolescents from minority ethnic backgrounds also face alienation in school and community environments. They may experience incidents of microaggressions, such as:
Repeated discriminatory acts can build up to chronic stress and feelings of isolation.
Lack of Belonging or Social Isolation
Some adolescents don’t have friends; they may experience exclusion in social activities or interactions. Others lack meaningful relationships. These teenagers can develop a sense of low self-worth or become hopeless. Some can withdraw from social settings or their loved ones entirely.
Teens who feel invisible may believe their thoughts, emotions, and experiences are not valued. They can isolate or develop feelings of low self-esteem, which increases the risk of developing anxiety or depression. Ultimately, they may form suicidal thoughts, such as:
Other High-Risk Factors to Consider
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Alcohol or drugs lowers a teen’s inhibition. They can reduce awareness of negative emotions and disrupt healthy coping skills for stressors.
Mental illnesses can also affect how a teenager feels or behaves. Left untreated, they can increase the risks of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Mood disorders can co-occur with anxiety disorders, worsening a teen’s psychological distress. Bipolar disorder can also cause extreme highs and lows, which are suicide risk factors.
History of Trauma or PTSD
Traumatic events can leave teens with feelings of hopelessness or low self-esteem. Some struggle to manage their emotions and develop sleep problems. Combined, these changes can cause suicidal thoughts in teens with different forms of trauma, including:
Teens with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a history of trauma can easily be triggered in their daily environments. Sounds, smells, or specific locations can bring back traumatic memories. Teens who experience intense emotional reactions from triggers can become intensely distressed.
Previous Suicide Attempts or Self-Harm
Previous suicide attempts or self-harm are strong predictors of future attempts. Teenagers can remain vulnerable for several years after the first attempt. Those with depressive disorders may continue to experience intense sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Thus, it’s important to address the underlying causes after an attempt.
Close, ongoing monitoring is necessary even after recovery. But remember that a teen’s comfort and overall well-being are also important. Get professional help, which can involve a combination of therapy, medication, and safety planning.
How Nexus Teen Academy Supports At-Risk Teens
Our trauma-informed care at Nexus Teen Academy helps prevent re-traumatization. It empowers teenagers to develop healthy coping strategies and create safety and trust. Our early intervention programs for suicide prevention include teen cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and teen family therapy. Our approaches incorporate empathy, inclusivity, and open communication to create emotional safety.
Our experienced therapists and medical professionals provide tailored recovery plans for adolescents with suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. We believe that no teen is ever beyond help. Contact us to Nexus Teen Academy today for teen mental health support and help with a suicidal or self-harming teen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Social media can increase the risk of teen suicide in the following ways:
No, not every teen with depression thinks about suicide. Depressed teens whose symptoms don’t appear severe may be at risk of suicide, but it doesn’t mean they think about it. However, untreated depression can increase this risk since some symptoms don’t get better on their own; in fact, they may get worse.
If your teen talks about not wanting to live, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 as soon as possible. You can also chat at 988 Lifeline. For further guidance on the way forward, please talk to our team at Nexus Teen Academy.