Should My Teen & I Talk About Suicide? How to Know & Assess Risk
Are you able to spot the signs of suicidal thoughts in your teenager, but have no idea what to do?
It is a common myth that talking about suicide encourages suicidal behaviors. That could not be further from the truth. Talking about suicide to your teen will open up the lines of communication. Without discussion, your teen child may feel increasingly isolated and unseen.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says that 100,000 teens from ages 15-19 took their own lives from 1975-2015. Boys take their lives 3-4 times the rate of girls. This could stem from the stigma of male depression and an unwillingness to seek help. However, there has been an increase in suicide for girls over the last decade.
Understanding the risk factors and talking to your teen about suicide can make a difference in saving their life.
Risk Factors
One of the factors that can lead to teen suicide is the physical and mental health of the patient. If your teen has anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or any other type of mental illness, symptoms could escalate toward suicidal thoughts and planning. Serious physical health conditions that leave a person in pain or impact their way of living can lead to deep depression as well.
There are also environmental factors as well. What’s going on at home and school? They may be under more stress from school, the weight of undisclosed bullying, or the strain of relationship problems than you realize. Stressful events like an unexpected death, divorce, financial crisis, or other scary transitions can be hard for them to handle too. Communication, with you and a therapist, is paramount to help ease their burdens
Warning Signs
Once you are aware of these risk factors, you can take a closer look at your child’s behavioral changes. Most teens with suicidal thoughts may use subtle ways to express wanting to end their life. For example, your teen may have spoken before about feeling hopeless and having no reason to live. They could be expressing they are dealing with unbelievable pain and feeling trapped.
What do you notice about your teen’s behavior? Your teen child may be showing behavioral changes that you have never seen before. Perhaps they are participating in alcohol and drug abuse. Are they exhibiting aggression? Do the things that made them happy no longer interest them, leading to withdrawal? You may be confused if your teen seems to be saying goodbye to their loved ones or giving away important possessions.
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, don’t panic, but do seek immediate support, and be prepared to focus on their mental health.
How to Speak To Your Teen
Ignoring the signs your teen child is showing will not change their mind about taking their life. As soon as you notice a difference in your child’s behavior, you need to talk to them about it.
You can start the conversation by simply asking your child what is going on in their world. Ask if they have any ongoing concerns. Listen without judgment and ask any questions you have in response to what they are saying. Remember that the problems your child is facing are not opportunities for quick fixes.
Instead of pointing out solutions to them, simply validate and support their feelings. Let your teen know that you would like to hear more about what is going on in their lives. Ask them how each recent experience made them feel.
However, if your teen is not ready to talk, just let them know you are ready to hear them and support them. Share repeatedly that your love for them is unconditional and you will work hard to get them the tools they need. Let them know that thoughts of suicide are serious. Encourage them to meet with a counselor and offer to find someone they are comfortable with.
Please read more about depression treatment and adolescent therapy. Then, please contact us soon for your initial consultation.
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