- Talking about suicide and about what it would be like if they were gone.
- “When I’m gone…”
- “What would it be like if I wasn’t around?”
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness.
- “I’m no good to anybody.”
- “It would be easier for you if I wasn’t here.”
- “No one cares about me.”
- “I wish I was never born.”
- Seem hopeless about the future.
- “What’s the use?”
- “It doesn’t matter for me anyway.”
- “Things are never going to work out for me.”
- Become preoccupied with giving away their belongings.
How can you respond?
- Ask about suicide directly, using language the child understands.
- Start gently and slowly, by asking general questions:
- “How are you feeling?”
- “How have things been at school?”
- “How have things been going with your friends?”
- If your child shows signs that they may be suicidal or engaging in non-suicidal self-injury:
- Express your concerns: “I love you and I’m worried about you.”
- Say what you’re noticing: “It seems like things have been stressful for you lately.”
- Bring up suicide: “Do you feel like your life isn’t worth living?
- Ask directly: “Have you ever thought of a way that you would hurt or kill yourself?
- If your child shows signs that they are suicidal and have a plan to end their life:
- Ask about thoughts of suicide including intention and plan.
- Seek professional help while keeping your child safe.
- Don’t leave your child alone.
- Contact a crisis line and/or schedule a visit for mental health services.
- Call 911 if you cannot keep your child safe.
- Get support for yourself.
- Find a network of support with family or friends.
- Share that your child is at risk only with those who should know.
- Schedule a visit for mental health services for yourself.
- Start gently and slowly, by asking general questions:
Make your home a safer place.
- Identify settings and times of the day that may be hard for your child and make plans to help.
- Increase supervision of the child.
- Monitor time in private spaces such as bathrooms.
- Keep the bedroom doors open.
- Keep car keys with an adult.
- Make time and show desire for communication.
- Plan fun family activities.
- Ask your child how they are doing.
- Give your child space to feel their emotions.
- Remove or lock potentially dangerous items.
- This includes any knives, weapons, razors, ropes, cords, scissors, etc.
- Guns should be locked in a firearms cabinet.
- Remove or lock up alcohol, as it can lead to impulsive behavior.
- Remove or lock medications (prescription and non-prescription).
- Ask the doctor to prescribe only safe amounts of medications.
- Watch children when they take medication.
- Take all unused medications to your pharmacy for disposal.
Resources & Professionals to Contact in a Crisis:
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Text the Crisis Text Line: 741741
- Or chat online at: org
- NorthKey Community Care 24/7 Crisis Line: 859-331-3292
