Help for Teens and Parents of Teens That are Suicidal
At the very first signs of teen depression or thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Whether you are a teen contemplating suicide or are a parent or friend of a potentially suicidal teen, you must seek help immediately.
Help for Teens That are Suicidal
One of the best ways to help yourself if you know that you are feeling unusually low is to talk about it. Whatever is bothering you is most likely a problem that your parents would like to know about so that they may help you get through it. If you don’t feel like talking to your parents about your problem, you could talk to another adult like your preacher, close relative, teacher, counselor, or even close neighbor (1). A lot of times simply talking about an issue with another person helps you realize that the problem is not too big for you to handle.
However, if you are so down or depressed that you are having suicidal thoughts, you should seek professional help immediately. If you are not being treated for depression or another mental illness already, your doctor may be able to diagnose your symptoms and treat it accordingly (1).
If you are prepared to end your life, please call the National Suicide Hotline at (800) SUICIDE. Someone there will be able to help you. Your call is completely confidential. You can also go to your local emergency room or call 911 and they can get you the help you need (1).
Help for Friends of Suicidal Teens
If your friend confides in you that he is going to commit suicide, you must take him seriously. Talk to your friend, be a good listener. Let your friend know that you care. Even if your friend says that he has changed his mind about suicide or swears you to secrecy, you must tell an adult that you trust immediately (1). If possible, don’t let your friend stay alone until you know that an adult has taken control of the situation and is finding help for your friend. You may also call the National Suicide Hotline at (800) SUICIDE. Someone at the hotline will be able to help you, and your call is completely confidential.
Help for Parents of Suicidal Teens
If your teen has been depressed or talking about suicide or exhibiting ANY signs of suicidal behavior, you must seek professional help immediately. You must always take thoughts of suicide seriously. Those who talk about suicide are likely to follow through with suicide (2). If you do not think that your teen’s situation is life-threatening at the moment, you can schedule an appointment as soon as possible with your family doctor who can then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. At the first signs of suicidal behavior, you must remove all weapons (such as guns) from your house or pills that could be used to overdose.
If you have scheduled an appointment with a professional, you must make sure that your teen keeps the appointment, even if he says that he is feeling better.
Emergency Help
In cases of emergency, you should never leave your teen alone. You can call 911, call the National Suicide Hotline at (800) SUICIDE, or take them to your local emergency room.
Prevention of Suicide
It cannot be stressed enough that prevention of teen suicide is possible if help is sought immediately. Delaying professional help only allows the teen more time to think about his troubles and emphasize his ideals that his problems cannot be solved and all is hopeless.
Communication is the best preventative measure against teen suicide. If you or a teen you know is experiencing depression or suicidal feelings for the first time or have attempted suicide before, it is important to always have someone to talk to and trust. For parents, you must keep the lines of communication open for you and your teen at all times, he needs to know that he can always count of you for support.
Teen Suicide Help Sources
- kidshealth.org
- psu.edu/childrens/healthinfo/s/suicide.htm
