DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG/KCCI) – The Iowa State Mortality Review Committee is taking a closer look at youth suicide and how to prevent future tragedies, KCCI reports.
The committee shared some of its data in a meeting Monday at the Statehouse.
In an analysis of 62 youth suicides between 2022 and 2024, nearly 50 percent previously communicated suicidal thoughts or actions.
Child Death Review coordinator Lisa Peterson says that shows that many cases show warning signs — which can be opportunities for early intervention.
“This cohort was a very sick, very traumatized cohort,” Peterson said during Monday’s meeting.
Many cases included a variety of factors, including family conflict, mental health issues and things such as abuse or instable homes.
The data also lined up with national trends, showing that teen boys, mainly ages 16 and 17, make up a majority of cases.
Another theme the committee discussed was impulsivity, particularly affecting teens with untreated conditions such as ADHD.
Experts shared the importance of early diagnosis and consistent treatment for behavioral health conditions, as well as helping teens develop coping skills during stressful situations.
The committee says it wants to investigate the connections between time spent on social media and mental health in teens.
Members say they are planning to focus their findings into concrete recommendations for statewide organizations to identify risk factors and improve their support systems.
The 988 National Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis and connects callers anonymously to local support.
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