The tragedy of children taking their own lives happens all too many times in our state. In fact, the suicide rate for Wisconsin kids, age 10 to 17, is nearly a third higher than the national average.
Here are several changes in behaviors that are warning signs for suicide:
- A drop in grades or school performance
- Neglecting personal appearance and responsibilities
- Talking about or feeling anxious, sad, hopeless, bored, worried or overwhelmed
- Feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt or self-hatred
- Feeling like things will never get better or nothing will ever change
- Loss of concentration in school, work or routine tasks
- Outbursts, severe anger or irritability
- Getting in trouble, being aggressive or rebellious
- Running away from home or making threats to run away
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Changing friends
- Eating less, severe dieting, or eating more
- Sleeping less or sleeping more
- Losing interest in activities
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Talking or writing about suicide or death
- Cutting oneself
- Any suicidal behavior, such as taking a small amount of pills
Parents, other relatives, teachers, friends, and classmates all need to be aware of these warning signs.
source for above information