Understanding Why Suicidal Teens Find Reasons to Keep Living: Insights from Recent Study

A groundbreaking study has shed light on the deeply personal reasons that motivate suicidal adolescents to continue their lives. Conducted by an international research team led by Dr. Mathijs Lucassen from City University London, the research involved analyzing the words of 211 teenagers aged 13 to 17 who had experienced suicidal crises and were hospitalized in the United States. Each participant shared three reasons for living as part of safety planning efforts.

The findings reveal that family connections are among the most common reasons adolescents choose to stay alive. However, many young people also emphasize personal dreams and simple joys, such as pursuing career ambitions, traveling, attending concerts, or even getting meaningful tattoos. These reasons highlight the importance of hope, relationships, and personal fulfillment in their lives.

Notably, the word "my" appeared frequently in the responses, indicating how strongly adolescents link their survival to personal relationships, aspirations, and places. Many expressed curiosity about the future, with motivations like "to see what the future has for me" or "to live for myself and enjoy my life." Such insights underscore the significance of hope-centered, individualized approaches in suicide prevention.

Dr. Lucassen emphasized that understanding these reasons can enhance therapeutic relationships, helping clinicians set personalized goals and develop more effective support strategies. This approach could ultimately reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among at-risk youth.

The study also involved a diverse participant pool, with nearly half identifying as Latino or Hispanic and strong representation from Black and Caucasian adolescents. This diversity enhances the relevance of the findings across different racial and ethnic groups.

The research underscores the importance of connecting with adolescents’ hopes and personal passions. Practitioners, families, and communities can utilize these insights to foster a sense of belonging and purpose, potentially saving lives amid the ongoing challenge of adolescent suicide.

For more details, see the original publication in Psychiatric Services. This research was supported by City University London.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-bad-ass-tattoos-reveals-suicidal.html