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Preventing Teen Suicide
With Healthy Anger & Communication Skills

Authored by William G. DeFoore, Ph.D.


Teen suicide is a tragedy that we must learn to prevent. You are someone who cares and you've got the good heart to do your part, which is why you searched and found this web page.

If you're a teenager looking for help, there is something for you here too, so read on--the main thing you need to know is that there are people who care about you.

If you're someone concerned about teens in trouble, I hope you find the resources you need here.

Do you have a story to tell or a question to ask on this important topic?

Here is your opportunity to get free help, or to offer support to others. We want to hear from you!

What Are The Causes Of Teen Suicide?

First, we'll try to understand some of the causes of this devastating problem, and then we'll look at some solutions. Consider these possible factors leading up to teen suicide, and see if they make sense to you:

  • Lack of a meaningful, loving connection with a parent or parents, teachers or other significant adults. Even though some adolescents might act like they don't want or need a connection, they do...and they need it desperately.
  • Failure to establish a positive identity, which can lead teens to identify with groups that think suicide is "cool," along with other disturbed thinking.
  • Severe, unnoticed, untreated depression can most certainly lead to teen suicide. This can result from a variety of causes, including inward-directed anger.
  • Isolation, disconnection and despair are common causes. Some teens are not only disconnected from the adults in their lives, but fail to bond with their peers as well. This can be a dangerous combination.
  • Situational stress, such as too much pressure to perform academically or socially can lead to self-destructive behavior and even teen suicide.

What Does This Have To Do With Anger?

And how does all of this relate to anger? Good question! Let's look at some answers:

  • Suicide is a very violent act. It is complex, because the victim and the perpetrator are the same person. There is always anger in violence.
  • The thought-process of the suicidal teen might be something like, "They don't care about me. I'll show them. Let's see how they feel after I'm dead." You can certainly see the anger in there.
  • When teens learn to express their anger in healthy ways, they are able to deal with what is bothering them. Often we find that depressed teens do not express their anger at all, or they take it out on themselves.
  • All self-destructive behavior in teens, including teen suicide and suicidal thoughts and behavior, are a cry for help - message to the world around the teen to pay attention, there's something wrong here! It could be seen as a desperate expression of anger saying, "Hey! Notice me!"

teen suicideGet To The Anger Under Suicide


Much of this boils down to love. Children who feel loved in a healthy, consistent way do not usually get depressed or suicidal. So, one of the best things you can do as an adult (if you are), is learn about parenting teenagers and teen anger management.

I know this is a big problem to tackle, but the life of the teen in your life is worth it! And you've got what it takes to offer the help and support they need. Let's look at some things you can do.

How Do We Prevent Teen Suicide?

Now let's get down to it. There are a lot of things you can do that will help. I'm going to list a few, then I want you to add to the list yourself. You can even share your ideas on this site if you like, so that others might benefit. Here are some starting points:

  • Just hang out with them. Do the things they like to do with them (not drinking, drugs or sex, of course). If they're into video games, show an interest without judgment, just to get to know the teen better, what they like and what they think about. Don't judge! Your judgement will just push them farther into their problem.
  • Invite them to do things with you, even though you don't think they'll want to. The key here is that you're the grownup, and you can't give up on them. You keep showing your love, including them, inviting them and doing what you think is right, no matter what!
  • Be yourself, don't try to be "cool" or fit in with the teenagers. It won't work, and they'll respect you more for just being yourself, no matter how "uncool" that might be.
  • Don't underestimate the power of your love, respect and positive attention for preventing teen suicide. Teens need this from you, whether they know it or act like it or not. Teen suicide is much less likely to happen around adults who are involved and connected.
  • Be a spiritual role model, without laying your religion on them. Do the right things in your own life, according to your beliefs and spiritual values. This makes all the difference in the world.

Learn About Adolescent Rites Of Passage

Movement from childhood to adulthood is a big deal, and sometimes it's a very rough ride for adolescents, that could result in the risk of teen suicide and other serious problems.

Rites of passage ceremonies are designed to help teens through this transition, and you can learn to create them yourself. This could be one of the greatest gifts you give to the teens in your life. Get your copy of this audiobook now, and get started.

rites of passage

ADOLESCENT RITES OF PASSAGE:
Honoring the Transitions from Childhood to Adulthood 

Learn in these 2 anger management CDs how to honor the adolescents in your life by creating meaningful rituals, celebrations and ceremonies that commemorate their movement from childhood to adulthood.

This extremely important time of life is all too often ignored, which leads to many of the problems we see among our youth today. Learn to create your own ritual or ceremony, perfectly suited for the teen in your life.


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Okay, that's it for now. But don't stop here. Check out the other resources on this site, and keep going. Don't give up on your teens and don't give up on yourself, no matter what! 

And get even more help for your teens on KidsHealth.org.

Did you know that you are a champion, just for getting to this point on this page? You're dedicated, concerned and you have a good heart, or you wouldn't have bothered to read this far about preventing teen suicide. One of the best things you can do for the teens in your life is to love yourself! 

Have A Story Or A Question
About Teen Anger?

Do you have a story you'd like to tell about this? Or a question you'd like to ask? Let's hear it! Give as much detail as you can. I (Dr. DeFoore) will answer your question for you, and my response will be a part of the page for you and others to read.

Feel free to also review our FAQ page (frequently asked questions), to see if your question has already been answered.

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Bullied In The Past Leading To Tragedy Not rated yet
Just recently, Friday, a fine young man of sixteen chose to commit suicide. We had not been close of late, and it has been said that he had anger issues. …

My Everyday Life  Not rated yet
I do not know why I get so angry, my days are hard but getting angry is so easy. I live with a family of 7 (dad-37, mom-36, me-17 male, sister-15, sister-4, …

Abused And Depressed Not rated yet
Don't have much time so let's just sum up my 13 year old life story: 1. My sister physically and emotionally abused me as a child VERY often. 2. Tried …

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