Teen suicides are up and many are on impulse

It might be cyber-bullying. Suicides for young Americans are up -- especially for teen boys 15-19. Doctors say you can prepare for the worst by locking up your guns.

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Bostwick says many suicides are impulsive.

"The issue is keeping them (guns) locked up -- keeping them away from people who might use them impulsively."

Dr. Bostwick says they're not asking you to get rid of your guns, just don't leave them lying around.

"Be aware that you have things people can use impulsively around your house. Guns are the most obvious and the most lethal, that's what our study shows."

Dr. Bostwick says those really intent on killing themselves probably can't be stopped, but he says many are simply going through a temporary depression and that can be treated. He says some signs are obvious.

"They look depressed, they're talking about being dead, they're giving things away, and they’re acting as if there is no future. Many of the things that drive suicidal states are highly treatable: depression, substance abuse."

A Harvard study shows, in 2017, there were 6,241 suicides among those 15 to 24, of whom 5,016 were young men and 1,225 were young women.


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