September 27, 2024
Youth suicide in the digital age is raising concerns
Young people face growing pressures from social media, school, and other stressors. Understanding these challenges is key to preventing youth suicide.
Early intervention is key if you suspect someone may be in danger. Kaiser Permanente is here to help.
Youth suicide is an increasing concern. Today’s young people face the traditional challenges of maturing along with academic pressures and stress at home — not to mention newer challenges posed by living in a digital world. These combined challenges have led to a rise in mental health struggles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for high school-aged youth, suicide is the third-leading cause of death. Recent data from the CDC reveals that approximately 20% of teenagers have considered suicide. This figure is higher among LGBTQ+ youth. There is an urgent need to address youth mental health stressors and help prevent suicide.
Role of social media
Social media plays a complicated role in youth mental health. “Social media can be a way for people to connect and to find community, but it can also lead to accessing information that can be harmful,” Ashley Zucker, MD, chief of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente in San Bernardino, explained. “There’s a known contagion effect of suicide, and social media can be one avenue where young people are seeing and hearing more about suicide.”
She added that social media impacts self-esteem by encouraging constant comparison, where kids often judge their worth by the number of “likes” they receive. Social media can also contribute to bullying and other victimization.
Not all kids will speak up
There are reasons why young people don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health. “Children and teens are often afraid to discuss their mental health issues with their parents or other adults around them because they are afraid of the response they may get,” Dr. Zucker said. “They may fear being embarrassed, ignored, or even made fun of. Kids may even be afraid of getting in trouble or losing privileges such as phone access, social media, or friends.”
Signs to watch out for and resources for support
Parents and guardians should watch for warning signs — including eating habits and sleeping patterns, use of alcohol or drugs, or talk of suicide. Early intervention is key if you suspect someone may be in danger.
If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline where you can speak with a trained crisis counselor. A chat option is also available at 988lifeline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Also, call or text 988 if you’re worried about a loved one.
If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency medical services for a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Kaiser Permanente members can get connected to care at kp.org/mentalhealth. If you or someone you know has mental or emotional challenges, Kaiser Permanente is here to help. Here’s information on mental health and suicide. Plus, these additional resources available at FindYourWords can help make a difference too.
Recovery from depression is possible. Read this inspiring story of hope and healing about a Kaiser Permanente member who knows that recovery is achievable.
