Arizona's teen suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2002, there were 12 suicides in Arizona among 10- to 14-year-olds and 39 suicides in the 15- to 19-year-old age group. Three children commit suicide each month in our state. (Arizona Department of Health Services).

In the United States, 14 young people (ages 15 to 24) commit suicide everyday, or approximately 1 every 100 minutes. Four times as many men as women commit suicide, but young women attempt suicide three times more frequently than young men. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of all deaths in the United States and the 3rd leading cause of death among people from the ages of 15 to 24.

Over the past 30 years, the suicide rate has tripled in the United States. If you think that suicide is something that only affects others, you are wrong. The reality is, suicide can affect any family.

• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide, or making a plan
• Strong wish to die/preoccupation with death
• Giving away prized possessions
• Moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal
• A drastic change in appearance or personality
• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• A dramatic drop in grades
• Problems in school, with the family, peers and possibly the law
• Conflicts around sexual orientation
• Loss of a friend or family member or a romantic break up

Disclaimer

FOR HELP:
Arizona Suicide & Crisis Hotlines

Arizona Teen Help
866-990-HELP (4357)
623-879-9600 Phoenix Area

Arizona Prevention Resource Center

Depression, Suicide, & Mental Health Links

Teen Lifeline

National Hope Line Network (Arizona)
Offering Parents and Teens Information on Needless Suicide:
1-800-Suicide