Help Prevent Suicide in Children and Adolescents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about suicide prevention for children and adolescents:

Your child may see suicide as the only way to escape emotional or physical pain and suffering. You can help provide emotional support for your child and get the help he or she needs. Learn to recognize warning signs that your child may be considering suicide. Resources are available to help you and your child.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Your child does something on purpose to hurt himself or herself, such as cutting his or her wrists.
Your child swallows medicines or other harmful substances, such as antifreeze.
Your child says he or she wants to attempt suicide.

Call your child's therapist or pediatrician if:

Your child feels that he or she cannot stop from hurting himself or herself, or others.
Your child has sudden mood changes, such as angry outbursts or despair.
You begin to see warning signs that your child may be considering suicide.
Your child has changes in behavior when he or she starts on depression medicine or his or her dose is changed.
Your child acts out in anger or has reckless behavior.
Your child withdraws from friends or loved ones.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Where to go for more help if you think your child is considering suicide:

Contact a suicide prevention organization:

For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
- Call or text 988
- Send a chat on https://988lifeline.org/chat
- Call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
For the Suicide Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)

What to do if you think your child is considering suicide:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if you feel your child is at immediate risk of suicide. Also call if he or she talks about an active suicide plan. Assume that your child intends to carry out the plan. The following are some things you can do:

Contact your child's therapist. His or her healthcare provider can give you a list of therapists if he or she does not have one.
Keep medicines, weapons, and alcohol out of your child's reach. Make sure you do not put yourself at risk if your child has a weapon.
Do not leave your child alone if he or she talks about attempting suicide. Ask if he or she has a plan. Do not leave your child alone if you think he or she may try it.

Warning signs to watch for:

Your child may injure himself or herself in an attempt to feel better. These actions are often a sign that he or she needs help. Do not ignore injuries or any of the following warning signs:

Talking about a plan for attempting suicide
Poor school performance, not turning in homework, or a struggle with subjects that were not difficult before
Doing dangerous actions that could kill him or her
Cuts or burns on your child's skin, or reckless driving
Joking, reading, or writing about suicide, killing, or death
Statements that your child will not see you again or that soon he or she will not be a problem for you
Sudden withdrawal from others or not doing things he or she usually enjoys
Feeling sad every day, then suddenly being very happy and cheerful after a time of depression and sadness
Changes in how your child eats, sleeps, or dresses
Weight gain or loss, or having less energy than usual
Trouble sleeping or spending a lot of time sleeping
Your child has been taking medicine for a mental illness and suddenly refuses to take it
Your child has been going to therapy for a mental illness and suddenly refuses to go

Treatment your child may need:

Therapy can help your child work through problems. Your child may receive therapy from school counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or others. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of mental health professionals or support groups that can help your child. The provider may recommend that your child be admitted to the hospital for his or her own safety.
Medicines can help your child feel well enough to continue with all of the treatment he or she needs. Tell your child that it may take several weeks before the medicine starts to help him or her feel better. You will need to watch your child closely for changes in behavior or mood during the first 4 weeks he or she is taking it. Do not let your child stop taking this medicine unless directed. A sudden stop can be harmful.

What you can do to help your child:

Connections, support, and safety are all important in suicide prevention for children and adolescents. Do not make your child feel you are judging him or her. Do not tell your child that his or her suicide would be hard on you or others. Tell your child you are here to support and help him or her. The following are ways you and others can help your child:

Listen when your child wants to talk. Let your child know that you take his or her feelings and thoughts very seriously. Help your child understand that he or she can talk to you, another adult, or a close friend about his or her feelings. Your child can also talk to a therapist, religious or youth leader, or school counselor. Give your child time to respond. It may help to tell him or her about something similar that happened to you, and what you did. Stay positive and supportive.
Help your child think of solutions to problems. Your child may think problems are permanent and may think suicide is a solution. You can help your child realize the problem has a better solution. For example, if your child is being bullied, work with officials to find a solution. Help your child understand what you are doing to help him or her be safe. Your child may worry that he or she will never have another relationship after a breakup. Do not minimize your child's feelings or tell him or her it was just a crush. Assure your child that he or she can feel better. One of the best skills you can teach your child is how to recover after something bad happens.
Help your child make a list of things he or she hopes to do. Encourage your child to make plans for what he or she is going to do for the next day, month, and year. Help your child make goals for his or her life. Encourage your child to start doing things to make the goals happen.
Give your child the contact information for services that can help him or her. Talk to your child about therapy and medicines available to help him or her. Your child may follow through with treatment if he or she feels included in the planning.
Help your child spend time with family and friends. Get your child involved with school events, a local community center, or activity groups. Connections can help him or her feel valued and loved.
Help your child create healthy routines. Help your child make a bedtime schedule so he or she does not get too little or too much sleep. Encourage your child to be active. It may help to start a routine such as a walk with the whole family after dinner. Healthy routines can help relieve depression. A walk may also be a good time for you to talk with your child about his or her feelings.
Encourage your child to take medicine and go to therapy as directed. Medicine and therapy can help improve your child's mental health.

Follow up with your child's therapist or doctor as directed:

Your child may be seen in a clinic or his or her doctor's office. You and family members may have meetings with your child's therapist or doctor. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For support and more information:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
PO Box 2345
Rockville , MD 20847-2345
Phone: 1- 800 - 988
Web Address: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org OR https://988lifeline.org/chat/

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
8120 Penn Ave. S., Ste. 470
Bloomington , Minnesota 55431
Phone: 1- 952 - 946-7998
Web Address: http://www.save.org or https://save.org/find-help/international-resources/

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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