James Donaldson on Mental Health - Poor sleep, distress and disadvantage linked to suicidal thoughts in teens

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by University of the Sunshine Coast

edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan

Poor sleep, psychological distress, socioeconomic disadvantage and bad eating habits are strongly linked to greater risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents, according to new research from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast

Poor sleep, psychological distress, socioeconomic disadvantage and bad eating habits are strongly linked to greater risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents, according to new research from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

A longitudinal study conducted by UniSC's Thompson Institute tracked 159 young people aged 12–17 over several years to examine how lifestyle factors and social circumstances might influence suicidal ideation. The research is published in the journal BMJ Open.

Lead author of the research, Ph.D. candidate Maddison Crethar, said adolescents who reported having poor sleep were 2.6 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, than those who slept well.

"Poor sleep emerged as quite a significant risk factor. There's been little research to date that's explored this link over an extended period of adolescence," she said.

By far the most significant risk factor identified was socioeconomic disadvantage.

Adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds up to 8.7 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than those with a higher socioeconomic status, which supports previous research in this space.

"Socioeconomic disadvantage is complex, involving access to resources, health services and financial pressures, and more research is needed to understand how these factors interact to increase suicide risk," Crethar said.

Those reporting higher psychological distress were 5.7 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation, while poor eating habits were also statistically significant.

Crethar said the findings highlighted the complex mix of biological factors (sleep and nutrition), psychological factors (distress) and social factors (socioeconomic) that can impact young people's mental health.

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"Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australian adolescents. It's crucial we understand the risk factors that contribute to suicidal ideation and how they relate," she said.

"We can't say any of these factors by themselves are causal—even if there's clearly some relationship there. Some of the relationships could also be a two-way street. For example, suicidal thoughts might contribute to poorer sleep, eating and psychological distress.

"But through research like this, we can try to create a better risk profile that can be tailored to an individual's experiences, environment and circumstances."

UniSC Professor of Youth Mental Health and Neuroscience Daniel Hermens said the study reiterated the role parents, educators and health professionals can play in suicide prevention.

"This research reinforces the importance of awareness around risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and conversations about them," Professor Hermens said.

"Parents and schools can help by encouraging healthy sleep routines and being open to talking about mental health. Asking a young person if they are struggling or having thoughts of suicide does not increase risk—it can be the first step to getting help.

"We need to break down stigma and make these conversations normal."

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