What you should do if your child is having Suicidal thoughts?
- Dr Arjumand Raza
- Nov 9
- 4 min read
When a child struggles with suicidal thoughts, it can feel overwhelming and frightening for any parent or guardian. Teen suicide is a serious issue that affects many families, and knowing how to respond can make a crucial difference. Understanding the right steps to take helps protect your child and supports their journey toward healing.
Quiet space where a teen might reflect or write down feelings
Recognize the Warning Signs
The first step is to recognize when a child might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. These signs can be subtle or obvious, but paying attention is critical. Some common warning signs include:
Talking about wanting to die or hurt themselves
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
Sudden mood changes, irritability, or sadness
Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye to people
If a child shows any of these signs, it is important to take them seriously and act quickly. Teen suicide often follows a period of intense emotional pain, so early intervention can save lives.
Create a Safe Space for Conversation
When a child shares suicidal thoughts, the way adults respond can either open the door to support or push them away. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space encourages honest communication. Here are some tips:
Listen without interrupting or judging
Use calm and gentle language
Ask open-ended questions like “How are you feeling?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?”
Avoid minimizing their feelings or telling them to “just cheer up”
Reassure them that they are not alone and that help is available
This approach helps the child feel heard and understood, which is essential for building trust.
Seek Professional Help Immediately
Suicidal thoughts require professional attention. Contact a mental health specialist such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor who has experience working with teens. They can provide assessment, therapy, and if needed, medication. Some steps to take:
Reach out to your family doctor for referrals
Contact local mental health clinics or school counselors
Use crisis helplines if immediate help is needed (e.g., National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
Professional support offers tools and strategies to manage suicidal thoughts and underlying issues like depression or anxiety.
Support Your Child’s Daily Life
Beyond professional help, parents can support their child’s well-being in everyday life. Small changes can have a big impact:
Encourage regular routines including sleep, meals, and physical activity
Help them stay connected with friends and family
Limit access to means of self-harm, such as medications or sharp objects
Promote healthy coping skills like journaling, art, or sports
Be patient and offer consistent love and reassurance
These actions create a stable environment that helps reduce stress and feelings of isolation.
A calm and comforting space for family conversations
“Every 43 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. According to the World Health Organization, that’s more than 727,000 people every year. And most of them are young men between the ages of 15 and 29. This is not just a statistic—this is someone’s son, someone’s brother, someone’s friend.”
💔 The Problem (Why We Must Talk About It)
“Suicide happens when people stop sharing their pain, when they believe there is no way out. Stress, mental illness, and even childhood experiences can push someone into thinking: ‘I am the problem. I am a burden. My family will be happier without me.’ That’s when dangerous thoughts turn into actions.”
📖 Real story
“Recently, a mother came to me in panic. She had checked her son’s phone and discovered he had called a suicide helpline. Her fear was overwhelming—‘What do I do now?’ she asked.
I told her something she didn’t expect: Congratulate him. Tell him, ‘I am proud of you for taking the first step to reach out for help. I want your safety, your security, nothing else. Tell me, how can I support you?’
That simple shift—from panic to support—saved her son’s life.”
⚠️ Warning Signs (Symptoms to Notice)
“Here are some signs parents and loved ones should never ignore:
Saying things like ‘I am not good enough’ or ‘I am a burden.’
Expressing hopelessness or feeling trapped.
Withdrawing from friends and family.
Sudden changes in eating or sleeping.
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye indirectly.
These are not attention-seeking behaviors—they are silent cries for help.”
🌱 Message of Hope
“Ninety percent of people who survive a suicide attempt realize afterward that suicide was not the solution. The pain doesn’t go away by quitting—it only transfers to the loved ones left behind.
The real solution is support, therapy, and safe spaces to talk. Help is always available.”
🚪
“If you notice these signs in someone you love, don’t ignore them. Talk. Listen. Guide them toward professional help.
This September, during Suicide Awareness Month, let’s remind the world:
Quitting is not the answer. Healing is.”
Educate Yourself and Your Family
Understanding teen suicide and mental health helps families respond better. Learning about risk factors, warning signs, and treatment options prepares parents to support their child effectively. Consider:
Attending workshops or support groups for families
Reading trusted resources from mental health organizations
Talking openly about mental health to reduce stigma
Education empowers families to act confidently and compassionately.
Stay Connected and Monitor Progress
Recovery from suicidal thoughts is often a gradual process. Keep communication open and check in regularly with your child and their care providers. Watch for changes in mood or behavior, and celebrate small victories. If suicidal thoughts return or worsen, seek help immediately.
When to Get Emergency Help
If your child talks about a specific plan to harm themselves, has attempted suicide, or shows signs of severe distress, call emergency services or take them to the nearest emergency room. Immediate intervention can save their life.
Final Thoughts
Teen suicide is a heartbreaking reality, but parents can play a vital role in prevention. Recognizing warning signs, creating a safe space, seeking professional help, and supporting daily life all contribute to protecting your child. Remember, no one has to face this alone. Reach out for help, stay connected, and keep hope alive. Your care and attention can make all the difference in your child’s journey toward healing and safety.
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