Suicidal Thoughts in Your Child or Teen: Care Instructions

Overview

Children and teens who consider suicide often feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. They may think that suicide will solve their problems and end their pain. They may not really want to die, but they may feel that there's no other choice.

These thoughts and feelings may come from having a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated. With treatment, your child can feel better.

Take any talk of suicide or wanting to die or disappear seriously, even if it's said in a joking manner. If your child is talking about killing themself, do not leave them alone. Don't be afraid to talk openly with your child about their feelings. It may not be easy to talk about suicide, but it can help your child feel supported and connected. Support and connection can help protect people from suicide.

How can you care for your child at home?

Things you can do if your child or teen has suicidal thoughts

• Talk to your child often so you know how they're feeling. Try to stay calm, be a good listener, and accept that their feelings are real.
• Make sure that your child attends all counseling sessions recommended by the doctor. Professional counseling is an important part of treatment.
• Remove and store all guns and other weapons from the house. Also remove and store medicines that are not being used.
• Encourage your child not to use alcohol or drugs.
• If you are worried your child or teen is suicidal, do not leave them alone. Get help right away.

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child makes threats or attempts to hurt themself.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call the doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child hears voices.
• Your child has depression and:
  • Starts to give away their possessions.
  • Uses drugs or drinks alcohol heavily.
  • Talks or writes about death, including writing suicide notes and talking about guns, knives, or pills.
  • Starts to spend a lot of time alone.
  • Acts very aggressively or suddenly appears calm.

Talk to a counselor or doctor if your child has any of the following problems for 2 weeks or more.

• Your child feels sad a lot or cries all the time.
• Your child has trouble sleeping or sleeps too much.
• Your child finds it hard to concentrate, make decisions, or remember things.
• Your child changes how they normally eat.
• Your child feels guilty for no reason.