<img alt="" src="[BASEDOMAIN]/Client_Files/azblue/CM/System/teen-suicide-300x222.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 170px; float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">Teens in Arizona are more likely to commit suicide compared to the national average, according to the CDC.
In fact, a recent wave of teen suicides prompted Arizona lawmakers to pass SB 1468. Also known as the Mitch Warnock Act, the law expands suicide awareness and prevention training in public schools to support Arizona&rsquo;s teens and pre-teens.&nbsp;
When the new law passed in May 2019, Governor Doug Ducey said, &ldquo;Suicide has become a significant public health issue &hellip; I&rsquo;m glad that Arizona is taking action by training (school officials) how to identify the warning signs that lead to suicide.&rdquo;
In support of teens and SB 1468, BCBSAZ is sharing the warning signs and action we all can take if we&rsquo;re worried about a teen in our life.&nbsp;
Watch for outward signs 
Suicide is the second leading cause of death nationwide in children and young adults (age 10 to 24). People who consider suicide often feel that there is no way out of their sadness or pain, and they are helpless. Some see it as the only solution to their problems. These feelings may lead to outward signs such as:&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Making threats or talking about hurting or killing themselves</li>
 <li>Acting reckless, without seeming to think about it</li>
 <li>Having dramatic mood changes</li>
 <li>Withdrawing from family and friends</li>
 <li>Seeing no reason for living</li>
 <li>Giving away possessions</li>
</ul>
Have a candid conversation 
Many of us are uncomfortable talking about suicide. But asking your child if he or she is depressed&mdash;or thinking about suicide&mdash;won't put dangerous thoughts in your child's head. Instead, it can reassure them that somebody cares. It also lets your child talk about problems&mdash;rather than bottling them up. You might ask:&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Are you feeling sad or depressed?&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Have you ever thought about hurting or killing yourself?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Any child with suicidal thoughts needs to be seen by a mental health professional, immediately.&nbsp; 
 
Video: What I Wish I Could Tell You Today
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDUsyfJvcj8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe>
 
Getting Help in Arizona

Teen suicide is preventable. We need to learn to recognize the warning signs and know where to turn for help.&nbsp;
To learn more about the link between depression and suicide, visit <a href="https://www.mobilizeaz.com/mental-health/suicide-prevention/" target="_blank">Mobilize AZ</a>. This is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona&rsquo;s source for mental health information. 
For more advice on how to help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]), or Arizona&rsquo;s Teen Lifeline (800-248-TEEN [8336]).&nbsp;
If you're struggling yourself, these hotlines provide confidential support 24/7. 
 
Sources: 
<a href="https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2019/05/governor-ducey-signs-bill-combating-teen-suicide" target="_blank">Governor Ducey Signs Bill Combating Teen Suicide</a>
<a href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/health-of-women-and-children/measure/teen_suicide/state/AZ " target="_blank">Teen Suicide in Arizona, America's Health Rankings, United Health Foundation</a>
<a href="https://library.azblue.com/story/54fc7da7-61ea-485a-9b7b-7e83dafe7bfa/ " target="_blank">Teen suicide: Know the risk factors</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDUsyfJvcj8 " target="_blank">Video: Suicide | What I Wish I Could Tell You Today</a>

Warning signs: Help Prevent Teen Suicide in Arizona 

Teens in Arizona are more likely to commit suicide compared to the national average, according to the CDC.