Parent’s Guide: Suicide Concerns & Crisis

🔎Identifying the Warning Signs

If your child is showing these signs, they need immediate evaluation.

Direct Talk: Comments about killing themselves, “wanting to go to sleep and not wake up,” or having “no reason to live.”
The Plan: Having a specific, thought-out plan for how they would do it.
Expression: Themes of death or suicide in drawings, poems, or journal entries.
High-Risk History: A child is at higher risk if they have attempted suicide before, have a history of abuse, engage in heavy drug/alcohol use, or have access to firearms.

Do NOT wait. The resource you choose depends on the immediate danger level.

A suicide attempt has occurred within the last 24 hours.
The child is acting confused, uncoordinated, or has passed out (signs of overdose or injury).
You believe there is a life-threatening emergency right now.
The child has serious thoughts of suicide, killing themselves or harming themselves.

The child is very depressed, or acting withdrawn.
You found concerning drawings or writings.
Note: 988 is a national 24/7 crisis line established in 2022 for mental health and substance use crises.

Firearms (Highest Risk): Firearms cause the most suicide deaths.
- Best option: Remove them from the house completely (store with a friend or relative).
- Minimum option: Lock them up securely and ensure they are unloaded.
Medications & Alcohol: Lock away all prescription meds, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol.
Car Keys: For older teens, consider removing driving privileges and access to car keys temporarily.

Parents often confuse self-harm (cutting) with suicide attempts. It is important to know the difference, though both require professional help.

Self-Harm (Cutting/Burning): This is the act of hurting the body on purpose, usually the skin. It affects an estimated 15% of teens.
The Goal: It is usually a way to relieve emotional pain or stress, not an attempt to die.
Action: While not necessarily suicidal, this indicates deep emotional distress. Your teen needs therapy to learn better coping mechanisms.

Emergency Crisis: Call or Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Available 24/7.
Information & Referrals:NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
- Call 1-800-950-6264.
Note: NAMI is for finding local programs and resources; it is not a 24/7 crisis line.