Teen Suicide

How to Help a Suicidal Teen

If you are worried about your teen and suspect that he or she may be struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts, the following strategies may be helpful:

• Ask your teen questions about issues that may be bothering them. Really listen to what they have to say. Remember that their issues, no matter how minor they may seem to you, may be overwhelming your adolescent. Never make fun of or disregard your teenager's concerns, especially if they are making him or her unhappy.
• Always take verbal threats or hints seriously. Don't be afraid to talk to your teen directly about suicide. If you are concerned, asking your adolescent if he or she is thinking about suicide may be helpful. You will not put thoughts of suicide in your child's head just by asking about it. Instead, asking such a question will give him or her reassurance that someone cares about how they are feeling.
• Ninety-percent of teenagers who die by suicide have a mental health problem, usually depression and/or substance abuse. If your teen is showing signs of mental illness, get help for him or her right away. A professional evaluation can be very beneficial. Your child needs to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed so the appropriate treatment plan can be developed. If your teen is depressed, they need to feel that there is hope and that things will get better.

Resources

Dealing with the topic of suicide is scary for both parents and children. The most important thing you can do as a parent of a suicidal teen is to talk about your concerns. Don't assume that your child's problems will easily go away. Seek out individuals who can help you help your teen. Talk to your teen's primary care provider, school counselor, a trusted teacher, local family or social service agency, and/or clergy. Below are additional resources that can also be of assistance.

Crisis Lines

• Samaritans of Rhode Island, Providence Crisis Hotline 401-272-4044, Toll Free: 800-365-4044
• South Kingston Sympatico Hotline -401-783-0782
• Hope Valley Sympatico Hotline-  401-539-7474
• Girls and Boys Town National Hotline -800-448-3000
• National Hopeline Network - 800-SUICIDE

Additional On-Line Educational and Referral Resources

• Adolescent Health On-Line: www.ama-assn.org/go/adolescenthealth
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: http://www.aacap.org
• American Association of Suicidology: http://www.suicidology.org
• National Mental Health Association: http://www.nmha.org
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: http://www.save.org/
• National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center: http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/suicidefacts.php

1 CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, WISQARS: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars/default.htm
2 Healthy Schools, Healthy Kids, Violence Related Behaviors Health Risks Among Rhode Island Public High School Students 1997 and 2001, RI Department of Education in Collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health
3 American Medical Association, Points for Parents About Teens and Depression: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/upload/mm/39/parentinfo.pdf
4 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AACAP Facts for Families # 10, Teen Suicide: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/suicide.htm