September is suicide prevention month. Suicide is a challenging topic, but it’s too crucial to ignore. Our hope is for children to grow, thrive, and live long, healthy lives. However, among youth in the US who die, over 25% die from suicide. So how do we know when to worry?
Here are some tips:
- If you see signs, check in. Don’t wait for them to come to you. You might start by saying, “You seem sad. I’m open to talking about this, because I love you and I care what happens to you.” Talking to your child about suicide does not start suicidal thinking or increase the chance of suicidal behavior. By honestly and openly expressing your concerns, you’ll send an important message that you care and understand.
- Listen and Monitor. Actions may speak louder than words. Watch for major changes in your child’s sleep patterns, appetite, social activities, or struggles with school, chores and other responsibilities.
- Do not dismiss concerning statements from your teen such as “I want to die.” “Nothing matters” “Everyone would be better off without me.”
- Respond with empathy and understanding “I’m sorry you are feeling this way—can you share a bit more?” “It sounds like you’re in pain and you can’t see a way out.” Tell them you hear their pain, that it can get better, that you will make sure they get help, and will support them every step of the way.
- Get help right away. If you have any concern that your teen is at more immediate risk for attempting suicide, take them to the emergency department of your local hospital or call 911. If you are concerned about depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, reach out to your pediatrician, school therapist, or even a national suicide hotline for guidance.
- Remove or secure guns you have at home. Do the same with other lethal means. Half of youth suicides occur with firearms and suicide attempts with firearms are almost always fatal.
- As your child enters treatment, focus on creating hope. Remind them and yourself that difficult times don’t last forever.
- Encourage sleep and exercise.
- Encourage balance, moderation and self-care.
- Remind each other that healing will take time.
Protective factors that help prevent suicide:
- Strong connections with family, friends and community.
- Regular contact with health care providers.
- Access to mental health providers.
- Good problem-solving skills.
Resources
- If your child is considering suicide, call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org right away. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
- Alameda County Mental Health Crisis Intervention: 800-309-2131
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to text confidentially with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7.
- The Trevor Project: Providing confidential support for LGBTQIA+ youth in crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. TrevorChat: Confidential, online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7. Access through a computer.
- Trans Lifeline: A 24/7 hotline available in the U.S. and Canada staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Call 1-877-565-8860
This article was written by Soniya M. who is an ACFPA member, a local community pediatrician and has been caring for children in foster care for 15 years.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019, January 17). Suicide prevention: 12 things parents can do.
HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-
problems/Pages/ten-things-parents-can-do-to-prevent-suicide.aspx
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Suicide: Blueprint for youth suicide prevention. Home.
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/blueprint-for-youth-suicide-prevention/?srsltid=AfmBOopZeCqiDBVKvQrk-0BD2GWzzgwkrBXUQMnv69-DxzNj-fZCbe2-
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Talking to teens: Suicide prevention. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/prevention-teens
