(WAAY) - For nearly 20 years, suicide rates have been increasing in the U.S. In fact, it's one of the leading causes of death in this country. Now, a new report shows more young girls are at risk for ending their own lives.
If you're raising a daughter, here's a statistic you need to know: in the past 15 years, suicide rates have tripled among young girls between ages 10 and 14. Experts don't know why the troubling trend is happening, but some say an earlier onset of puberty, a lack of resources, and societal expectations may all be factors.
"There's a lot of worry about increased social pressure on young girls," said Dr. Joan Luby, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs. Watch out for: changes in behavior, feelings of hopelessness, depression, a preoccupation with death, or talking about suicide. If you think your child is at risk, take it seriously! You need to get them help right away.
"Make sure the adolescent knows they can talk to you if they have a concern without fear of reprisals or punishment," Luby said.
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