How Adults Can Help Prevent Teen Suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. With suicide as the second leading cause of death among teenagers, it is imperative to recognize the signs and know how to help. This blog will give practical tips for adults to help prevent teen suicide.
Be Available
One thing I often heard from teens as a school counselor is that they didn’t want me to call their parents. It isn’t because they didn’t want their parents to know; it’s because they thought they were too busy. They didn’t want to add something else to their plate.
Make sure your teen knows that nothing is as important as their safety. Work is important, but they need to know that no matter what, you always have time to listen when they need you. Sometimes, as parents, we think our kids should know this. They don’t. They need to hear it from us, and they need to hear it often.
Be Aware
Have you noticed any changes lately? Does the teen who used to be involved now have no motivation to go out? Do they seem much more tired than usual or have trouble sleeping at night? Has there been a change in appetite? Do they struggle to do tasks that used to come easily for them?
Looking at each of these things separately, they may seem normal because of hormonal fluctuations. When these start piling up, it can be a cause for concern. Just asking if everything is OK may be enough for them to open up and tell you what is happening.
Parents, if there is a concern that your child is feeling depressed, please be aware of your surroundings. It is vital to limit any access to lethal means. Make sure guns and knives are locked up, prescription medicines are out of reach, and nothing hidden in their room can harm them.
Be Direct
You will not put the idea of suicide in a teen’s mind just by asking the question. They are either thinking about it, or they are not. It is important to ask directly if they have thought of harming themselves or committing suicide. If you are ambiguous, you leave room for ambiguity.
Most teens who are hurting enough to contemplate suicide want help. They just don’t know how to ask for it. It can be a relief to know that someone cared enough to ask.
Be Supportive
Being supportive may seem like common sense, but not everyone knows how to do it. Once you know that a teen is depressed and might be self-harming or considering suicide, your presence alone can help.
They don’t need advice or shaming. They need to know they have someone who cares and understands that things are hard. They need someone who will stand next to them regardless of their emotions. Be present.
Get Help (for the teen and yourself)
If you discover that a teen is having thoughts about self-harm or suicide, it is so important to get them help. You can take them to an emergency room or call 988 for immediate help if it is a crisis. If they do not require immediate support, contact a professional or someone who can connect you to one (a school counselor is a great resource).
Finding someone who can connect with the teen is crucial so they are comfortable enough to be vulnerable. It is also a good idea to get support for yourself. If you want more information about how counseling can help, please contact me for a free consultation.
