The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support.
The rate of youth suicide in the state has nearly doubled over the previous decade. In 2020, fifty-six North Carolina youth ages 10-17 died by suicide.
Yet suicide is preventable. Children and youth who die by suicide are seeking to end overwhelming pain. Kids in crisis need trained, caring adults in their lives who can help them.
Watch the WRAL documentary “Out of the Darkness” and share it with parents and teachers.
Volunteer or make a gift to the American Foundation for Youth Suicide Prevention
Find a drug drop-off point to safely dispose of unused medicines
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or chat through their website.
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support.
Perhaps the most important risk factor is access to “lethal means of self-harm,” meaning whether a child in crisis has the ability to access something like a gun or harmful prescription drugs.
Thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts are more common among children who experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression. However, mental health is only one of a variety of factors that impact youth suicide. Other important factors include exposure to a range of personal and social risk factors, such as:
Children who experience one or more of the risk factors listed above may be at higher risk of suicide. Gender and sexual orientation can have significant impact on suicide risk, because of the social discrimination that LGBTQ youth often experience.
In North Carolina, 16% of high school students in 2017 reported seriously considering suicide. This figure included 12% of heterosexual students, and a staggering 43% of gay, lesbian, or bisexual students.
The influence of caring and well-trained adults, combined with evidence-based solutions that reduce stress on youth, can prevent dangerous feelings of hopelessness in children and adolescents.
Increase the number of health and mental health professionals in school settings.
Restrict access to deadly tools.
The NC Child Fatality Task Force has recommended that the NC General Assembly take several steps to prevent youth suicide in North Carolina: