In January 2018, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released new statistics for the 2016 year. For the State of Texas, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.

Suicide is preventable and four out of five teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs beforehand. Warning signs of suicidal ideation include, but are not limited, to the following:

Talking about suicide

Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless

A deepening depression

Preoccupation with death

Taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior

Out of character behavior

A loss of interest in the things one cares about

Visiting or calling people one cares about

Making final arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order

Giving prized possessions away

For help for yourself or a friend call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; available 24/7.

Another excellent resource for suicide prevention and awareness is The Jason Foundation, Inc. The Jason Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness. We have been providing programs and resources to help identify and assist young people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide for over 20 years. For all of those years, we have never charged any school, church, youth organization or community with whom we contract to provide services. Our national network spans over 100 Affiliate Offices located in 32 states that provide programs and services for all 50 states.