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Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 14 years old. It’s also the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with thousands of people taking their own lives every year.
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to find out their child has taken their own life, especially when they thought they might have been able to prevent it. While predicting and preventing suicide isn’t always possible, parents may find the following information useful for helping their teens overcome suicidal thoughts.
Understanding the Risk Factors and Warning Signs
There are no guarantees that understanding suicide prevention warning signs will mean you’ll get through to your teen, but understanding what they are and knowing the risk factors for teen suicide may prove helpful for getting them help before it’s too late. Common risk factors for suicide include:
- Family conflict and poor relationships
- Conflict with other people
- The loss of someone close to them by suicide
- Bullying
- Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- A history of self-injury or suicidal thoughts
There are also a number of warning signs that are commonly associated with people at risk of suicide:
- Anger and irritability
- Mood changes
- A decrease in academic or job performance
- Giving away prized possessions
- Social and emotional withdrawal
- Loss of interest in activities
- Threats of suicide
Be There for Them
One of the most important things you can do for your teen who may be having a rough time and experiencing suicidal thoughts is be there for them. Acknowledge their feelings, be a listening, nonjudgmental ear, and provide support.
Alongside letting them vent, you can also take opportunities to provide problem-solving and coping techniques to address emotional turmoil and support overall well-being. However, it’s important to listen more than you talk. Avoid trying to fix, lecture, or minimize their problems. Instead, validate their feelings even if you don’t completely understand them.
Take Suicidal Thoughts Seriously
You may think your teenager’s thoughts of suicide are just that – thoughts. However, that doesn’t mean it’s true. Always take any threat of suicide seriously. Seek immediate help from the professionals if your teen has a plan or access to means, is giving away belongings or saying goodbye, and suddenly seems calm after being in distress. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services. Your swift action may just save a life.
Reduce the Risk at Home
It’s most important to help your teen overcome their suicidal thoughts, but it’s just as crucial to minimize the risks in their home environment. This can mean securing or removing alcohol, sharp objects, firearms, and medications that might otherwise be accessible to everyone in a medicine cabinet. If your teen already takes medication, supervise their use. Alongside these measures, perform more check-ins with your teen, especially at night. They may seem like ‘punishment’ to your child, but they’re about safety.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, your teen will need more than what you can offer, even if they don’t say it. Never be afraid to seek the help of a mental health professional if you’re concerned for the well-being of your child. They can be a listening ear outside of your immediate family and provide emotional support and coping techniques.
Take action as soon as you become aware that your teenager is having suicidal thoughts. Your fast response and support may help to save a life.
