08/27/2025
This is very sad, yet it is a very real issue as technology continues to evolve. It might be uncomfortable to talk about su***de, but it is a reality that su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 (https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/)
From NAMI, here are some possible warning signs to be attuned to, and a few tips on how to talk about it with someone who is strugglingâ¤ď¸
Warning Signs
-Increased alcohol and drug use
-Aggressive behavior
-Withdrawal from friends, family and community
-Dramatic mood swings
-Impulsive or reckless behavior
Support:
-Talk openly and honestly. Donât be afraid to ask questions like: âDo you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?â
-Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills
-Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like âCan I help you call your psychiatrist/therapist?â
More people are turning to general-purpose chatbots for emotional support. At first, Adam Raine, 16, used ChatGPT for schoolwork, but then he started discussing plans to end his life.