Teen suicide rates on the rise in Allen Co.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - According to the Allen County Department of Health, there has been an increase in suicides in people under age 30.

The rumored suicide pact at Garrett Middle School had parents concerned, but health behavioral experts said suicide pacts are common.

"For years and years, people have been making suicide pacts, I'll do it if you do it. It's because they don't have any choices, they feel they don't have any choices," said Stephen Jarrell, executive director of Headwaters Counseling.

In 2011, 10 people between 14-26 years old committed suicide. This year, between January and July, 12 have committed suicide between 15-30 years old. Health behavioral experts said there are certain signs parents can look for in their teen.

"You can have agitation, anxiety, sleep changes, there can be problems with feeling trapped, no way out, or hopeless, nothing will get any better," said Dr. Gladys Beale, executive director of children and adolescence at Parkview Behavioral Health.

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention , the top three methods teens use to commit suicide are a firearm, suffocation, and poison.

"Know what's going on with your kid," said Dr. Beale. "If there's a break up, if they're stressed out about school, some times kids are bullied. There are actual factors you can identify that may drive someone to feel depressed and suicidal because they feel hopeless."

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, click here for a list of resources.