Suicidal thoughts and attempts kill dozens of young people every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24 years. In most cases, young people who plan to kill themselves will tell their parents in advance. While it is hard to understand why someone would want to end their life, suicide statements indicate a serious need for help. Even if your child has never told you that they plan to take their own life, you can still make them feel safe by asking questions about their thoughts.
The first step to take when your teen is considering suicide is to get him checked out. If he expresses thoughts of suicide, see a doctor immediately. While some teens may hide their feelings and intentions, others may try to hide them by acting out or withdrawing. You need to keep an open line of communication with your teen and find out if any other problems might be causing his or her distress. You may also want to consult with your child’s pediatrician to determine if any mental health issues are affecting your teen’s behavior. Although most teens do not attempt suicide, many mental illnesses go undiagnosed.
While it is important for parents to talk to their teen’s doctor about the feelings and actions they’re experiencing, you should also involve other family members and friends in the treatment process. Teenagers can feel devalued and isolated if they feel that their parents do not value them enough. Try to avoid minimizing the issues and try to find a solution that’s both effective and a win-win situation for all concerned.
Keeping your child away from potentially harmful items is a proven way to prevent suicide. You can discuss suicide prevention openly with your child and listen to the language that suggests suicide thoughts. If you are worried that your teenager is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to Lifeline and Kids Helpline for free help. These two organizations have 24/7 phone counselling services for parents and teens. You can also call Lifeline or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 to access these services.
If you are worried about your child’s thoughts about suicide, it is important to ask them directly about it. By asking them directly, you’ll be giving them an opportunity to tell you about their feelings and make them feel less alone. However, talking about suicidal thoughts is difficult, but listening to your child’s words and feelings is crucial. You should let your child do most of the talking, so they can understand how difficult this situation is.
It’s important to know that suicidal thoughts are normal. Suicidal thoughts can strike suddenly, or can develop gradually over a period of time. However, you should never dismiss these thoughts, as they can be a symptom of other problems. In many cases, young people will recover and feel normal again. But you should seek help if you feel your child has suicidal thoughts.
Acknowledge your teenager’s feelings. You must never attempt to talk your teenager out of feeling depressed. Even though you may be well-meaning, attempting to convince your teen that things are not that bad will make your feelings seem less credible. By acknowledging their feelings, your teen will feel understood and that you really care about his or her feelings. This can make a difference in the end. But it’s not easy to recognize when your teenager is suffering from depression.
Another way to help your teen avoid committing suicide is to ensure a safe home. Keep medications and firearms out of reach. Guns are particularly dangerous to teens. It’s also important to lock up prescription medications. Most suicide attempts are fatal when guns are involved. If your teen has access to a gun, be sure that it’s locked up and locked in a secure location. Even if your teenager doesn’t have access to guns, they shouldn’t have any.
While living with a depressed teen is not easy, it’s important to remember that it’s not a sign of bad behavior. It’s not their intention to be difficult. You must be patient and remain a part of the treatment process. Remember to be involved in your teen’s treatment and monitor changes. If these changes worsen, you should contact your doctor immediately. In the meantime, don’t give up on him.