Photo: Trinacria Photography

Just five months ago, Draven Rodriguez brought a smile to the face of everyone who cheered on his viral campaign to get a laser-lights enhanced photo of him and his cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, into his high school yearbook. Today, recalling the Schenectady, New York 17-year-old is bringing tears to the eyes of everyone who knew him. Rodriguez died on Thursday at home and his parents reportedly tell the Times Union the cause of death was suicide.



STORY: 12-Year-Old’s Suicide Sparks Social-Media Outrage: Is It Enough?

Friends have flocked to post thoughts about their shock and condolences on Rodriguez’s Instagram account, where a mere two weeks ago he spoke of plans for the future. Captioning a photo mentioning the anti-bullying “Don’t Wait” Project, the teen - who lists “life” as one of his favorite things on the social media site – noted, “I’m excited to work with them next year.” Rodriguez, after all, wasn’t a loner, notes his father, Jonathan Stewart to the Times Union. “He made friends wherever he went.”



STORY: Mom Blames Target for 22-Year-Old Son’s Suicide, Files Lawsuit

Photo: Trinacria Photography

But a busy social calendar and ready smile reveal little about what’s going on inside someone’s mind. “Most people who die by suicide have made future plans,” Michelle Cornette, PhD, Executive Director of the American Association of Suicidology tells Yahoo Parenting. Though it may sound counter intuitive, she says that people with suicidal tendencies experience a push and pull between their will to life and to die. “So even if it seems like a kid is doing really well, is captain of a team or succeeding in school and social, don’t assume they’re doing well” if your gut tells you they may need help. “Data suggests that our greatest challenge in preventing suicide is identifying the individuals at risk,” she adds.

Cornette shares the three biggest warning signs of suicidal tendencies that mothers and fathers may overlook, so they can start tuning in today. “Sometimes I think parents are afraid,” she says. “They say, I don’t want to offend my child by asking them if they’re feeling suicidal if they’re not. But they will forgive you if you’re wrong. If you’re right, you could save a life.”

Story continues

1. Irritability

Crankiness is something that many people don’t interpret as depression or being related at all to suicide risk, but it is. “People think of depression as something sad or tearful, not a lashing out,” says Cornette, who adds that it’s a mistake to automatically think of irritability and angry outbursts as typical hormonal teenage behavior. “But any significant change in behavior, any change out of the norm for adolescents, should be paid attention to.”

2. Changes in sleep

Too much and too little sleep all of a sudden could signal something is seriously wrong, says the expert. “In the context of being a symptom of depression, sleep issues can manifest both ways. Teens could sleep to escape the world or their problems, or they could be unable to sleep if they’re having difficulty shutting their mind down.” It’s easy for a parent to overlook this sign, as teens are known to sleep until noon, but she says that any altered habits are worth making note of. “Research shows us that sleep disruption was more strongly associated with suicidal behavior than was depression or hopelessness.”

3. Recklessness

“Literature suggests that individuals who engage in risky activities are at a higher risk,” says Cornette. The theory, she explains, is that in order to engage in suicidal behavior you have to overcome a strong self-preservation instinct. “You might imagine that someone who does things on the edge might be less fearful when at some point they decide to put their life in danger.” Extreme examples include playing Russian Roulette and high-speed motorcycle rides while intoxicated but any shift in related behavior could be a red flag, she says. “Including a change in the level of substance abuse.”



For additional resources visit The American Association of Suicidology or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).