College Age/Young Adults Your child has now 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 consider- ing suicide. Don’t be judgmental, give advice, or try to talk them out of suicide (and don’t swear to secrecy). What to Do Now? Say you’ve approached your child directly about where they are at mentally. You’ve taken an important first step! Great guided follow-up questions include: How have you been feeling lately? I’ve noticed you’ve been down; can you tell me more about that? It seems like you’ve been sad. Did something happen at school? Sometimes when people are feeling the way you are, they think about suicide—have you ever had those thoughts before?
“I’m here with you.” “We’re going to figure this out together.”
children in the awareness that help is always available are key roles in building a child’s mental health.
After expressing thoughts of suicide, creating a safety plan with your child for those days that they’re having suicidal thoughts or feeling sad and lonely can be imporant. Take practical safety measures like removing access to guns and conducting room checks, but also make sure to look for ways to lean into the things that they love or even avoid things that aren’t helpful. Therapy is another solid option to introduce. While having conversations at home will help you better understand where your child is at, a licensed therapist who specializes in child psychiatry and mental health could help make sense of your child’s emotions and work one-on-one with your family. Not quite ready for this step? That’s okay! Speaking to a pediatrician or a primary care provider can be another great step for navigating where your child is at and accessing helpful resources in your area. Prevention & Resources By educating ourselves, we can learn what puts kids at the greatest risk for suicide and what protects them most strongly. Aware- ness of risk factors and warning signs, making ourselves available, and practicing assisting
Parents should seek immediate help if a child: • Talks about wanting to die or kill themselves •
Has a plan or access to lethal means Gives away possessions or says goodbye Expresses hopelessness or feeling like a burden Shows sudden, dramatic behavioral changes after a period of depression 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 also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.
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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. Conversa- tions about suicide can feel overwhelming— but they can also be the first step towards hope and healing.
What not to say: “You have nothing to be sad about.” “Other kids have it worse.” “You’re just looking for attention.” “Don’t be dramatic.”
Instead, say: “I’m glad you told me.”
There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.
We can help, but you have to take the first step. We’re here for you.
THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®
800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org
Post Office Box 11749 • Memphis, TN 38111-0749
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