High-Risk Groups

Statistically, adolescent males are much more likely to die by suicide than females and so could be considered a high-risk group. Males are much less likely to seek help, to talk about feelings of doubt, depression and anxiety and also more likely to use lethal means in response to their suicidal thinking.

Kids with access to Firearms...

Native American youth have the highest rates of suicide among ethnic groups.

Many adolescents end their lives under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Increased substance abuse is among the significant warning signs for suicide, and so substance abusing youth should be considered at higher risk.

The elevated risk of suicide attempts for gay and lesbian youth has clearly been shown by a number of population-based studies. However, there are no population-based studies that show elevated risk of death by suicide for gay and lesbian youth that we are aware of.

Children and adolescents who experience an undiagnosed and untreated mental illness (i.e., depression, bipolar illness and schizophrenia) are at higher risk of suicide.