Although there is no definitive profile for a suicidal teenager, the statistics on youth suicide suggest there is a pattern of behavior among adolescents that experience suicidal thoughts.

• Suicide is the 3rd-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds.
• Suicide is the 4th-leading cause of death for 10- to 14-year-olds.
• Suicide is the 2nd-leading cause of death for college-age youth.
• Youth suicide rates have nearly tripled in the past 40 years. Between 1980 and 1996, suicide rates for 10- to 14-year-olds increased by over 100%.
• More teenagers and young adults have died of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined.

• Talking about suicide
• Depression
• Obsession with death
• Out-of-character behavior
• Giving away prized possessions

If you are a teen or parent of a teen that displays suicidal tendencies, call Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center toll-free at 954-734-2001. Ask for more information or schedule a no-cost assessment.