Talking About
Suicide With Kids BY AMELIA ROESSLER
T here may be no conversation a parent fears more than asking, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” It’s a question many parents hope they will never have to ask—but mental health experts say asking directly, calmly, and without judgment can save a child’s life. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 19-year-olds. But most children and adolescents who attempt suicide show warning signs, and it is vital that families are aware of these signs and discuss concerns, ideally prior to a life-threatening mental health crisis. UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE According to research by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, suicide attempts are far more common than deaths by suicide, but any suicidal behavior is serious and can have lasting consequences. Most teens who
may not know the skills or tools to use to help them through these stressful experiences. The following warning signs, provided by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, indicate that a youth is severely depressed or at risk for suicide and should be responded to immediately: • Talking to others or posting on social media about: suicide or wanting to die or feeling hopeless, trapped, or like they are “a burden” to others • Looking for ways to kill themselves by gathering medications, sharp objects, or firearms or searching online for ways to end their life • Expressing unbearable emotional pain • Visiting, calling, or reaching out to people to say “goodbye” • Giving away prized possessions
are suicidal do not actually wish to die, but they are in severe emotional pain and want the pain to stop. They may not know how to move forward and are unsure if there are ways to feel better. The good news is that suicides are largely preventable through early identification, timely treatment, and support from families, schools, friends, and communities. For children who have a hard time admitting they need help, having a conversation sends the message that a parent cares very much about them, and that struggling and asking for help is okay—asking can be lifesaving. SEE THE SIGNS Often, children expressing themselves through posts online or on social media about wanting to hurt themselves are typically experiencing emotional distress and
18 COLORADO PARENT SEPTEMBER 2026
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