Mental health: Depression and other mental health concerns can impact anyone, including children and teens. While most teens who experience depression will never consider suicide, when depression goes untreated, some teens may feel so hopeless they consider suicide. Unfortunately, many teens and adults suffer for years without getting treatment. Seek support for your child as soon as you become concerned.
Substance use: Many teens turn to alcohol and/or drug use to try to cope with negative emotions. Talk to your child about the dangers of using alcohol or drugs to cope with negative emotions. Seek support for your child if you see signs of substance use.
Self-injury: Non-suicidal self-injury is when someone hurts themselves on purpose without the intention of dying. Though it is different from a suicide attempt, it is a serious concern and can increase someone’s risk for suicide. Seek professional help for self-injury immediately.
Access to guns: Suicidal crises are often temporary but access to a gun makes it easier to follow through in an instant. If you have a gun in your home, ensure it is safely locked and unloaded- and that your child does not know the code. Lock and store ammunition separately. If there is concern that a member of the household could be at risk of suicide, storing the gun outside the home – with a friend or a family member who is licensed to have a firearm – will greatly decrease the chances of a family member using the weapon in a moment of despair.
Populations at elevated risk: Though no one is immune from feeling depressed or suicidal, certain communities face increased risk including suicide loss survivors, people experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ youth who face rejection. Provide increased support for teens who identify in any of these groups.
