How to Deal With A Teen Who's Thinking About Suicide

Its an incredibly difficult issue for parents to have to face, and its crucial that the issue of a teen who’s thinking about suicide be dealt with appropriately. If you think your teen is thinking about suicide then there are some steps you should take, and some others you should avoid to prevent further inflaming the situation. It’s a thin line, and its hard for anyone in this situation to deal with.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Give them enough space. This is often one of the biggest mistakes a parent makes when they see their child unhappy, and its perfectly normal to want to be there to “make it all better”. By the time the child reaches those teenage years, however, they need more space to reason their issues out on their own, and constantly having someone raising questions or pointing things out is only going to further their annoyance and cause them to push you away further.

2. Be there for them when they need you. If or when your teen does come to you to talk, make yourself completely available. Know that whatever you’re doing can wait, because this could be the most important step in preventing your son or daughter who’s thinking about suicide from taking that next step. Make sure that you don’t try to do all the talking. Don’t frequently interrupt them, or tell them that things aren’t that bad. Something that may seem small and insignificant to you may really seem like the end of the world to them, and chances are there’s no way you’re going to convince them otherwise. Be understanding, and they will come to you again. Be pushy and overbearing, and they will avoid coming to you for help.

3. Consider counseling. It may be difficult to get them to go, but it may just save their life. Explain to your teen that anything that is said between them and the counselor is completely confidential, that you want them to have someone to talk to, and that you understand they may not feel quite comfortable talking to you. Professional help is there for a reason, and if you’re teen is thinking about suicide you should never deny him or her the chance to see a therapist.

4. Pay attention to any threats of suicide, and take them seriously. Don’t leave the teen home if you can avoid it, and place all prescription medications, weapons, and such in a place that will not be accessible to your child.

5. Include them, but don’t force them. Family dinners, trips, outings, etc. all may help to reduce the risk of your teen committing suicide. During such times it is important not to bring up the deficiencies you may see in your teens behavior. Keep the mood light, and leave plenty of room for jokes and laughs. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine for the soul!

6. Let them know how much they are loved. Don’t let a day slip by you where you forget to tell your child that you love them, this is your most important job as a parent. Hug them, support them, and let them know that there is always a better option than suicide.

[Psalmist4M]

on 5/22/2009 This is a tough one but very critical. When dealing with someone struggling with thoughts of suicide it's important that you take it seriously even when it seems an idol threat. You can never know what will push them to try to make their point or get attention. Thanks for addressing this. 5*s

[kkelley89]

on 5/20/2009 Not myself personally, but someone very close to me.

[chicagotravel]

on 5/20/2009 A good article - How to Deal With A Teen Who's Thinking About Suicide. Just would like to know if this comes from writer own experience? I think that the main problem for teen is shortage of attention from parents on a day basis.