Teen suicide: What parents need to know

Could your teen be at risk of suicide? Some things, such as medical concerns, family issues and social challenges, might make some teenagers more likely to die by suicide. Learn how to tell if your teen could be at risk. And find out where to go for help and treatment.

Sometimes having thoughts of not wanting to live can be a common experience among teenagers. It's much less common for those thoughts to drift toward thinking about and making plans for suicide.

Many teens who try to die by suicide have a mental health condition. That condition may make it harder to cope with the stress of being a teen. These teens might have a very hard time dealing with rejection, failure, breakups, school troubles or family concerns.

They may not see a way to manage all that they're facing. Teens also might not fully understand that suicide is a permanent response to temporary issues that, while they feel overwhelming, often have solutions.

Many teens cope with stressful medical, physical and life events without attempting suicide. But it's good to be aware of the risk factors.

Medical or physical issues that can raise the risk of suicide include:

• A mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other behavioral health concerns.
• Substance use disorders.
• Self-harm behaviors, such as cutting.
• A long-term medical condition.
• Changes related to puberty.

Other situations that may raise the risk include:

• Access to ways to die by suicide, such as guns or large amounts of medicines.
• A family member or friend dying by suicide.
• Death of a close family member or close friend.
• Violence or bullying.
• Discrimination or lack of support due to sexual orientation or gender diversity.
• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Conflict with close friends or family members.
• A family history of mental health conditions.
• Being adopted.

Teens who have attempted suicide in the past also are at higher risk.

Warning signs include:

• Talking or writing about suicide. For example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself" or "I won't be a problem for you much longer."
• Spending time looking at social media and other online content that's related to suicide.
• Using a lot of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Feeling trapped, hopeless or helpless about a situation.
• Doing risky or self-destructive activities.
• Giving away personal items for no clear or logical reason.

Some other warning signs might seem like typical teenage behavior:

• Changing routines, including eating or sleeping patterns.
• Becoming less social and wanting to be alone.
• Having mood swings.

Teens who are thinking about suicide also might have personality changes. And they may become very anxious or distressed when they are doing some of the things listed above as warning signs.

If you think your teen is in danger right now, call 911, your local emergency number or a suicide hotline. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call, text or chat on the 988 Lifeline. Services are free and confidential and available in English and Spanish.

If you suspect that your teen might be thinking about suicide, talk to your teen right away. Don't be afraid to use the word "suicide." Talking about suicide won't give a child ideas for self-harm.

Ask how your teenager is feeling, and take time to really listen. Don't dismiss your teen's worries or concerns. Reassure your child of your love and care. Remind your teen that together, you can work through whatever is going on.

Make an appointment with your teen's healthcare professional. In addition to talking with your teen and with you about what's going on, the healthcare professional may ask to talk with other people who are close to your teen. School reports and medical or mental health records also can be helpful.

Teens who are thinking about suicide often need the help of a specialist. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. It can be helpful to find a professional who focuses on treating mental health in children. Care may include talking with you and your teen. Sometimes, other members of the family may be involved too.

In some situations, it may be hard to keep a teen who's thinking about suicide safe at home. The teen's care team may suggest treatment in a hospital or in an intensive outpatient program.

You can take steps to help keep your teen safe. For example:

• Safely store guns, alcohol and medicines. This is the most effective way to lower the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Access to ways of attempting suicide can play a role if a teen is already thinking about suicide.
• Talk about mental health and suicide. Don't wait for your teen to come to you. Ask what's wrong if your teen is sad, anxious, depressed or seems to be struggling. Listen, offer support and get medical care for your teen, if needed.
• Pay attention to warning signs. Teens who think about suicide often show warning signs. Listen to what your child says, and watch how your child acts. Never dismiss threats of suicide as teenage drama.
• Encourage connection. Spending a lot of time alone might make hard situations feel worse. Encourage your teen to spend time with supportive friends and family. Make time to be together.
• Check social media use. Keep an eye on your teen's social media. Social media may give teens valuable support. But it can expose them to hurtful things too. That includes bullying, rumors, peer pressure and views of other people's lives that aren't realistic. If your teen is hurt or upset by social media posts or messages, encourage your teen to talk to you or to another trusted adult, such as a teacher. Feeling connected and supported at home and at school can be very helpful.

Monitor medicines

A small number of teens might have more suicidal thoughts when taking medicines called antidepressants. While these medicines may temporarily lead to a rise in suicidal thoughts, research shows this is not linked to suicidal behaviors. The risk of suicidal thoughts is higher in the first few weeks after starting a medicine or when a dose is changed. And antidepressants are more likely to lower suicide risk in the long run because they can improve mood. If your teen has thoughts of suicide while taking an antidepressant, contact a member of your teen's care team right away. If you think your teen is in danger right now, get emergency help.

Support the treatment plan

If your teen is getting treatment due to thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt, it might take time for your teen to feel better. Help your teen follow the treatment plan. Also, encourage your teen to take part in activities that can help boost confidence and make healthy connections with others. If you're worried that your teen might be thinking about suicide, have an honest talk with your child and, if needed, get help right away.