• Pulling away from friends or family and losing desire to go out
• Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Major changes in appearance (for example, if a normally neat person looks very sloppy -
  as if they're not taking the usual care of themselves)
• Talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
• Talk about suicide Talk about death Talk about "going away"
• Self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example)
• No desire to take part in favorite things or activities
• The giving away of favorite possessions (like offering to give away a favorite piece of jewelry, for example)
• Suddenly very happy and cheerful moods after being depressed or sad for a long time
  (this may mean that a person has decided to attempt suicide and feels relieved to
  have found a "solution")

Threats of suicide communicate desperation and a cry for help. Always take statements of suicidal feelings, thoughts, behaviors, or plans very seriously. Any child or adolescent who expresses thoughts of suicide should be evaluated immediately.

The warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behaviors may resemble other medical
conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Note: The information on MyTeen.com is for educational purposes only and should not be considered to be medical advice. It is not in any way meant to replace the advice a medical professional. All advice and information should be considered to be incomplete without an office visit and consult from your medical professional.

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Footnotes:
1 Anderson RN, Smith BL. Deaths: leading causes for 2001. National Vital Statistics Report 2003;52(9):1-86.
2 Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s call to action to prevent suicide. Washington (DC): Department of Health and Human Services; 1999. Available online from: URL: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/default.htm.
3 The Ohio State University Medical Center http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_
about/children/suicide/
4 HealthlyPlace.com depression community – Warning Signs of Teen Suicide – What to look For URL: http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/related/suicide_teens_4.asp