Research Shows Increase in Adolescent Suicides During the Pandemic
The impact of COVID-19 may have been especially harsh for youth mental health
It’s well known that the COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic negative effect on mental health, especially among children and adolescents. Indeed, last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health.
Unfortunately, new research has shone a light on the sobering consequences of this mental health crisis. According to a recently published study, at least five states saw an increase in the absolute number of youth suicides, and the overall proportion of youth suicides increased across the states studied.
Researchers partnered with public health departments in 14 states and reviewed death certificate data to identify adolescent deaths by suicide. In five states — Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Virginia — the total number of adolescent suicides increased. Those five states, along with California, also saw an increase in the proportion of adolescent suicides as a share of total suicides. Overall, the researchers found that the proportion of youth suicides in those 14 states was higher than before the pandemic.
It’s as yet unclear why the pandemic affected suicide rates in some states more than others. Some reasons might include the death or illness of caregivers in those adolescents’ lives, as well as in-person or virtual schooling.
Adult caregivers and service providers need to protect the youth in their care
Researchers say these findings highlight the importance of watching out for warning signs of suicide in children and adolescents. “We’re all kind of blind within our own families or households,” said Marie-Laure Charpignon, the first author of the study. Sometimes “we see what we want to see, or what we have the opportunity to see in the limited amount of time we have,” according to a CNN report on the study.
Some of the key warning signs of depression and suicidality in children and adolescents include:
- Changes in routine, such as eating and sleeping habits
- Developing personality changes or mood swings
- Loss of interest in school, activities, or social interaction
- Lack of response to praise
- Neglecting personal appearance or hygiene
- Giving away or discarding treasured belongings
- Alluding to suicide in writing or speech, e.g. “I’m not going to be a problem for much longer” or “if anything happens to me…”
- Risky or self-destructive behavior
- Cheeriness after depressive episodes
It goes without saying that the pandemic has been difficult for people of all ages, and it seems entirely likely that adults may have been too consumed with the disruption of their own lives to see warning signs among the children in their care. Parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and medical and mental health professionals alike have a role to play in preventing youth suicide. Spotting the warning signs is critical, and so is intervening appropriately to prevent suicide when those warning signs emerge.
Families of adolescent suicide victims have legal recourse
The law holds people who care for children at risk of suicide to high standards, and when those standards of care are not met, there must be accountability. The Law Offices of Skip Simpson has the experience and knowledge to investigate the circumstances and advise you on your legal rights and options. We are based in Texas and serve families nationwide. If you or anyone you know has lost a child to suicide, contact attorney Skip Simpson today.
