Study shows increase in preteen suicide rate

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found rates of suicide in preteens ages 8-12 have been increasing by approximately eight percent annually since 2008.

The research indicated these increases were most pronounced among American Indian/Alaska Native or Asian/Pacific Islander preteens, and Hispanic preteens. The researchers also found that female preteens had a disproportionate increase in suicide rate compared to male preteens. In addition, Black preteens had the highest overall suicide rate, and Hispanic preteens had the most significant percent increase in suicide rate.

The researchers said the findings from this analysis underscored the need for age-appropriate and culturally responsive prevention efforts that include suicide risk screenings and lethal means safety counseling.

Director of Wildly Rooted Counseling in Harrisonburg, Kate Bowman, said taking action and having open conversations with your teens can identify and help preteens who may be at risk for suicide.

“Being able to openly have communication about self-esteem and friendships and boundaries and emotions are all really important to preteen and teen kids so that they can have those trusted relationships. It’s also really important for teens and preteens to have multiple trusted healthy relationships with other trusted adults than parents or guardians,” Bowman said.

Bowman also said for someone who’s struggling with a mental health disorder, it actually helps them just feel like they’re heard and listened to.

For help, the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline is available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

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