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 problem, such as depression. These problems 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. 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.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

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.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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.

Other things you can do

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.

When should you call for help?

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.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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 illegal 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.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter Y243 in the search box to learn more about "Suicidal Thoughts in Your Child or Teen: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.