- Suddenly becoming calm or cheerful after a long period of depression
Parents might have questions like: What if my child hears about suicide at school? How much detail should I give? Can talking about suicide plant the idea? Experts say that talking about suicide does not increase suicide thoughts, and that it’s important to correct misinformation. Ask them what they’ve already heard about the topic and go from there. Ages 11–13 (Tweens) What if my child mentions self-harm? How do I know if they’re joking? When should I worry? At this stage, parents should familiarize themselves with the warning signs and ways to help emotional regulation. Check online influences and peer pressure, but make sure your child knows they are loved and can receive help. Ages 14–18 (Teens) Parents of teens know that emotions are complicated and understanding them can be even more difficult. Questions like, “Should I ask directly if they’re thinking about suicide?” or “What if they say yes?” can float around.
judgement. Take every mention seriously and seek professional help immediately if needed. College Age/Young Adults Your child has probably moved out of the house at this stage—how can you tell if they’re struggling? How often should you check in? What if they stop responding? Show interest and be supportive. Be direct, and ask them if they are considering suicide or have a plan. Don’t be judgemental, give advice, or try to talk them out of suicide (and don’t swear to secrecy). What to Do Now? If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or concerned about someone else can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Parents don’t need to have perfect answers. They simply need to be willing to ask hard questions, listen without judgment, and remind their children that they never have to face life’s hardest moments alone. Conversations about suicide can feel overwhelming—but they can also be the first step towards hope and healing.
The following warning signs indicate that a youth may be struggling with depression, which requires evaluation by a mental health professional: • Feeling sad or irritable more often than not • Sleeping or eating more or less than usual • Showing little to no interest in activities • Withdrawing from others • Participating in reckless behavior that is out of character • Engaging in self-injurious behavior KNOWING THE AGE DIFFERENCE Ages 3–6 Can young children understand death? Should you mention suicide to them? What if they overhear adults talking? How honest should I be? Questions like that are asked by parents all the time. Experts advise to use simple language when talking to young children and avoid euphemisms like “went to sleep.” Make sure to reassure children that they are safe, and encourage questions. Ages 7–10 Kids this age may hear about suicide at school, on YouTube, or from classmates.
Here, some experts recommend asking directly and calmly. Listen without
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