As a parent, one of your deepest hopes is that your child grows up happy, healthy, and safe. That’s why it can feel overwhelming—even terrifying—when you begin to worry about your child’s mental health. If you’ve noticed changes in their mood, behavior, or the way they talk about themselves, you may be asking if your child is struggling with thoughts of suicide.
It’s not easy to think about, but being aware of the signs and knowing what steps to take can truly save a life. You don’t have to have all the answers. What matters most is that you recognize when your child is in pain and take action to support them.
Why Children and Teens May Feel Suicidal
Suicidal thoughts don’t just appear without reason. They’re often a sign that your child is feeling deeply overwhelmed, carrying emotional pain, or facing challenges they don’t yet know how to manage on their own.
According to the CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 20.4% high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% had attempted suicide. Some reasons youth may feel suicidal include:
- Mental health conditions. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions can make your child feel hopeless or trapped.
- Bullying or social pressure. Both in person and online, bullying can leave a child feeling isolated, humiliated, or worthless.
- Family stress. Divorce, financial struggles, conflict at home, or the loss of a loved one can deeply affect a young person’s mental health.
- Academic or performance pressure. Feeling like they’re not good enough or can’t meet expectations can create intense stress.
- Identity struggles. Questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, or simply trying to “fit in” can be overwhelming for many youth.
- Trauma or abuse. Experiences of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Children may have suicidal thoughts for many reasons, not always just one. It can be due to a mix of stressors, combined with the feeling that there’s no way out.
Warning Signs of Suicide in Youth
Every child is unique, but there are common warning signs that may signal your child is at risk. Paying attention to these behaviors and changes can help you take action quickly.
Emotional and verbal signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness.
- Saying things like “I can’t go on,” “You’d be better off without me,” or “I just want it to end.”
- Expressing extreme guilt, shame, or worthlessness.
Behavioral changes:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed.
- Sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors, such as reckless driving or substance use.
- Giving away personal belongings or saying goodbye in unusual ways.
- A decline in school performance or losing interest in the future.
Physical and mood-related signs:
- Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained illnesses.
- Intense mood swings, from deep sadness to sudden calmness.
- Loss of energy, motivation, or interest in daily life.
Trust your instincts—if something feels different about your child’s behavior, it’s worth paying attention.
What to Do If You’re Worried About Your Child
Discovering that your child may be suicidal is one of the hardest things you can face as a parent. While it can feel overwhelming, there are clear steps you can take to help:
- Talk openly and without judgment. Ask your child directly if they’re thinking about suicide. It’s a difficult question, but talking about it with your child can actually bring relief that someone notices their pain.
- Listen with compassion. Let your child express their feelings without interrupting or dismissing them. Avoid saying things like “You’ll get over it.” Instead, validate their emotions by saying, “I understand that you’re hurting.”
- Remove immediate dangers. If you believe your child is at risk, remove access to firearms, medications, or anything they could use to harm themselves.
- Seek professional help. Contact a mental health professional who specializes in working with children and teens. Therapy, counseling, or psychiatric support can make a life-saving difference.
- Stay involved. Even if your child seems to resist, your presence matters. Check in regularly, encourage healthy routines, and remind them they’re not alone in this struggle.
- Reach out for crisis support if needed. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
Supporting Your Child Beyond the Crisis
Helping your child through a suicidal crisis isn’t just about immediate safety—it’s about creating a supportive environment that promotes long-term healing.
- Encourage healthy coping skills. Activities like journaling, art, physical activity, or time in nature can give your child safe outlets for stress.
- Keep communication open. Let them know they can come to you anytime, without fear of judgment.
- Build a network of support. Involve teachers, counselors, and extended family members who can offer encouragement and watch for signs of struggle.
- Model healthy self-care. Show your child the importance of managing stress by practicing it yourself. Your example can be powerful.
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Acknowledge the steps your child takes, whether it’s opening up about their feelings or attending therapy sessions.
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, reaching out for help is one of the most important things you can do. Located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Peak Behavioral Health can provide the support and care your teen needs to move forward.
