As many of us know all too well, suicide affects too many lives every day. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we can come together to raise awareness, offer support, and learn how to identify warning signs. Here we will provide tips for parents and caregivers in recognizing these signs and share valuable resources for those who may be feeling suicidal.
Understanding the Importance of Awareness
Suicide and suicidal thoughts (also referred to as suicidal ideation) can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or background. Most recent data suggests that in youth ages 12-17 years, at least 3.3 million had serious thoughts of suicide, 1.5 million made a suicide plan, and 892,000 attempted suicide. As parents, educators, and community members, we can be vigilant and compassionate when it comes to the mental health of the children and adolescents in our lives.
Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs in Children and Adolescents
Changes in Behavior: Pay attention to significant shifts in your child’s behavior. Common changes include withdrawal from social activities they typically enjoy, decreased interest in preferred hobbies, or declining in school performance.
Mood Swings: Warning sign mood swings are different from those typically experienced by adolescents as they go through puberty. Rather, watch out for persistent and extreme shifts in mood, along with expressions of hopelessness.
Isolation: If your child suddenly begins to isolate themselves from friends and family or starts spending excessive time alone, this may be a warning sign.
Talking About Suicide: Be alert if your child starts talking about suicide, specifically if they begin expressing thoughts such as “I wish everything would just end/be over” or “I wish I were dead.”
Giving Away Possessions: If your child starts giving away cherished possessions (e.g., their favorite toys, electronics, stuffed animals), it may be a warning sign of suicidal ideation.
What You Can Do as a Parent
Open Communication: Create and foster a safe, non-judgmental space for your child to openly express their feelings and concerns. When they share, listen actively (think being off your phone, making eye contact, repeating back what they say to ensure you understand) and VALIDATE by expressing you understand (or want to understand) their feelings.
Seek Professional Help: If you suspect your child may be at risk for suicide or suicidal thoughts, seek professional assistance from a therapist, counselor, or medical provider. If you suspect your child needs immediate assistance, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours, in English and Spanish) or 911.
Limit Access to Means: Professionals may refer to this as “restriction of means.” If you are aware of potential suicidal thoughts, take immediate action to secure any lethal means, including firearms, medications, chemicals, and sharp objects (knives, scissors, Exacto knives). Put them in a locked box where your child cannot access them.
Stay Connected: Continue to support your child throughout their journey to recovery, and remember that progress is often not linear, but rather progress may be gradual.
Resources for Suicide Prevention (in Austin) and Beyond
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - Available 24/7 for confidential support.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message.
Austin Travis County Integral Care: A local organization providing mental health and crisis services. Visit their website or call 512-472-4357 for assistance.
NAMI Central Texas: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges
Helpline can be reached Monday-Friday 10am - 10pm ET
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text “Helpline” to 62640
Email helpline@nami.org
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Resources surrounding advocacy, education, and connecting community members via awareness walks and suicide loss support groups.
Have your child SAVE the numbers above in their phone in case they need to access them
Let’s work together to ensure that Suicide Prevention Month is not just a month of awareness, but instead a commitment to understanding, compassion, and most importantly action. By empowering parents and caregivers to identify warning signs and access available resources, we can create a safer and more supportive community for our amazing children and adolescents.
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