Suicide Among Youth and Parents

Although it’s not easy to distinguish the usual ups and downs of adolescent behavior from signs of something more serious, it’s vital for parents to recognize behaviors in their children that may indicate something is wrong. Your kids might be reluctant to discuss their feelings, but parents can still be aware of the risk factors and warning signs.

• Feeling hopeless, helpless, trapped, like they’re losing control, worthless, anxious or angry
• Actions such as recklessness, doing dangerous and risky things, use of alcohol or other drugs, getting into fights or arguments, talking or writing about death, changes in eating and sleeping or withdrawal from friends or activities

• Concerning statements, such as:
  • “I won’t be around much longer.”
  • “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me.”
  • “It’ll all be over soon.”
  • “I wish I was dead.”
  • “Nothing matters anymore.”

• Situations that may lead to emotional crises:
  • Grief from family, relationship or financial loss
  • Life changes that seem overwhelming
  • Getting into trouble at school or with the law