Suicide
Suicide is ending your own life on purpose. When a person tries to end their life but doesn't die, it’s called a suicide attempt. Any suicide attempt or talk of suicide should be taken seriously.
A person who has made a plan to harm themself or someone else needs immediate help. National or local suicide hotlines, local hospitals, or a trusted health professional can usually help.
What are the warning signs of suicide in children and teens?
Warning signs of suicide in children and teens include:
- Talking about suicide or wanting to die or disappear.
- Talking, writing, or drawing about death.
- Giving away belongings.
- Withdrawing from friends and family.
- Being angry or hostile.
- Doing risky things, like driving too fast.
- Using alcohol or drugs.
- Having changes in eating or sleeping patterns, such as eating less or sleeping more than usual.
Not everyone who's at risk for suicide has these signs. They may have others. For example, they may seem hopeless, anxious, or depressed. Or they may quit caring about how they look.
There may also be other reasons for these behaviors.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
How can you care for a child or teen who has suicidal thoughts?
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Other things you can do
- Talk to your child often so you know how they're feeling. Try to stay calm, be a good listener, and accept that their feelings are real.
- Make sure that your child attends all counseling sessions recommended by the doctor. Professional counseling is an important part of treatment.
- Remove and store all guns and other weapons from the house. Also remove and store medicines that are not being used.
- Encourage your child not to use alcohol or drugs.
Suicidal thoughts in your child or teen: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child makes threats or attempts to hurt themself.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call the doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child hears voices.
- Your child has depression and:
- Starts to give away their possessions.
- Uses illegal drugs or drinks alcohol heavily.
- Talks or writes about death, including writing suicide notes and talking about guns, knives, or pills.
- Starts to spend a lot of time alone.
- Acts very aggressively or suddenly appears calm.
Talk to a counselor or doctor if your child has any of the following problems for 2 weeks or more.
- Your child feels sad a lot or cries all the time.
- Your child has trouble sleeping or sleeps too much.
- Your child finds it hard to concentrate, make decisions, or remember things.
- Your child changes how they normally eat.
- Your child feels guilty for no reason.
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