Suicides among young people continue to be a serious problem. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults age 15-to-24-year-olds. When a teen commits suicide, everyone around him is affected. The reasons behind a suicide or attempted suicide can be complex, but often there are warning signs. Find out about some warning signs and risk factors to better understand the mental state of young adults. Isolation from friends and family Problems eating or sleeping Mood swings Reckless behavior Dropping grades Increased use of alcohol or drugs Giving away belongings Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped Talking about being a burden to others or not belonging Talking about suicide or wanting to die Writing or drawing about suicide, or acting it out in play If your child has any of the warning signs above, ask her if she is thinking about suicide. If you are worried that she may attempt suicide, call 911. Experts agree that suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously.