How often does it occur? Actually, it is very rare.

Suicide rates tend to increase with age, so suicide among children and adolescents have the lowest rates of any age group. However, adolescent suicides can occur in clusters, i.e. several in the same area over a short period of time. Males commit suicide more frequently than females.

Some signs and symptoms to watch out for are changes or extremes in the following:

• Sleep
• Psychomotor Behavior (agitation or lethargy)
• Appetite
• Concentration
• Energy
• Depressed Mood
• Interest
• Guilt
• Suicidal Ideation
• Substance Abuse

One can always ask a child or adolescent if he/she are having thoughts of hurting themselves — this question will not cause problems if they do not have such thoughts. If they acknowledge such thoughts, then the next question should be asking if they have a plan how he/she would hurt/kill themself. If they have a plan, then one has a real emergency and medical help should be sought immediately.

Treatment may include:

• Talk Therapy (psychotherapy)
• Medication
• Possible Hospitalization