Leading Pediatrician Group Urges Screening Children For Suicide Risk
BOSTON (CBS) -- With suicide now the second leading cause of death for teenagers, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines so doctors can help identify patients at risk. Dr. Mallika Marshall reports.
Tessa is a volunteer counselor at Crisis Text Line. She answers texts from teens who are often struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.
"It can be something like 'I want to die,' explains Tessa. "It can be that simple."
She is one of 1500 counselors at the 24/7 support hotline .
"It's definitely hard for these kids when they don't feel like they have anyone to turn to," says Tessa.
Suicide has risen to the second leading cause of death for adolescents. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is urging doctors to screen patients for suicidal thoughts and risk factors including family history of suicide, mood disorders , questioning sexual orientation, and history of physical or sexual abuse.
Dr. Cora Breuner is a pediatrician at Seattle Children's Hospital. "If we ask these questions in a very kind, mindful way as pediatricians we can catch these kids before they do something tragic to themselves," says Dr. Breuner.
Too much time on the internet is also linked to depression and suicidal thoughts . Experts say pediatricians should ask if teens have been bullied online or face to face.
"There is definitely a higher incidence in kids who think about hurting themselves or even completing a suicide and those who have been bullied," says Dr. Breuner.
Crisis Text Line is reaching teens all across the country. In the last three years, the hotline has exchanged 19 million messages, and 80% of their clients are under the age of 25.
To contact Crisis Text Line in a crisis, send a message to 741741. For more information about the service, go to http://www.crisistextline.org/
