How effective are the Suicide Prevention Services, and what role can parents play?

Some examples of suicide prevention services are:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A 24-hour, toll-free, confidential hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or use the Lifeline Chat.
• The Trevor Project: A national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or use the TrevorChat.
• School-based programs: These programs, which can be conducted in or outside of school, are designed to foster peer relationships and competency in social skills among high-risk adolescents and young adults. School-based programs for suicide prevention can help students who may be at risk of suicide by providing them with the following benefits:
  • Awareness: These programs can increase students’ understanding of the signs and risk factors of suicide, as well as the available resources and help-seeking options. They can also reduce stigma and myths about suicide and mental health issues.
  • Screening: These programs can identify students who may be at risk of suicide through screening tools or surveys that assess suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and related factors. They can also provide follow-up and referral services for those who need further evaluation or treatment.
  • Intervention: These programs can offer intervention strategies for students who are suicidal or in crisis, such as counseling, peer support, safety planning, or crisis management. They can also involve parents, teachers, and other school staff in the intervention process.
  • Prevention: These programs can promote the prevention of suicide by enhancing students’ social and emotional skills, such as coping, problem-solving, resilience, and self-esteem. They can also foster a positive school climate and culture that supports students’ mental health and well-being.

School-based programs for suicide prevention can vary in their content, format, duration, and target population. Some examples of evidence-based programs are Signs of Suicide, Sources of Strength, and Lifelines. These programs have been shown to reduce suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths among youth and young adults.

How can parents help in identifying whether their child is undergoing mental health issues?

This is a fundamental and sensitive question. Parents can help in identifying whether their child is undergoing mental health issues that make their kids a high risk for suicide by following these steps:

• Pay attention to the warning signs: Some common warning signs of suicide risk in children and teens are changes in mood, behavior, or appearance; withdrawal from family, friends, or activities; loss of interest or pleasure in life; low self-esteem or guilt; hopelessness or despair; increased substance use; giving away prized possessions; talking or writing about death or suicide; expressing feelings of being trapped, worthless, or a burden to others; or making plans or preparations for suicide. If you notice these signs in your child, do not ignore them or assume they will disappear. Take them seriously and seek help immediately.
• Ask open and direct questions: One of the best ways to find out if your child is thinking about suicide is to ask them directly. You can say something like, “I’m worried about you. Are you feeling depressed or very sad lately?” or “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?” Asking these questions will not put the idea of suicide in your child’s head or make them more likely to act on it. On the contrary, it will show them that you care and are willing to listen and support them. Be calm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental when you ask these questions. Let your child express their feelings and thoughts without interrupting or criticizing them.
• Seek professional help: If your child admits to having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or if you suspect they do, do not try to handle the situation alone. Get in touch with your child’s doctor, a mental health professional, or a suicide prevention service as soon as possible. They can provide a thorough assessment of your child’s suicide risk, offer counseling and treatment options, and help you create a safety plan to prevent a suicide attempt. If you need immediate support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “TALK” to 741741 in the United States or Canada. If your child is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Provide ongoing support and care: Helping your child cope with suicidal thoughts or behaviors is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing support and care from you and other trusted adults in your child’s life. Some ways to provide this support and care are staying involved and connected with your child; expressing your love and acceptance; encouraging your child to participate in positive activities and hobbies; helping your child develop coping and problem-solving skills; monitoring your child’s mood, behavior, and social interactions; following up with your child’s treatment plan and appointments; removing or securing any potential means of suicide from your home; and joining a support group for parents of suicidal children or teens.

Why may parents not always notice or recognize the warning signs of suicide risk in their children and teens?

There are several possible reasons why parents may not always notice or recognize the warning signs of suicide risk in their children and teens. Some of them are:

• Denial: Parents may have difficulty accepting that their child is suffering from mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. They may think that their child is just going through a normal phase or that they are exaggerating or seeking attention. They may also fear being blamed or judged by others for their child’s condition.
• Lack of awareness: Parents may not be familiar with the signs and risk factors of suicide or how to talk to their children about it. They may also not know where to find help or resources for their child or themselves. They may rely on outdated or inaccurate information or myths about suicide and mental health.
• Communication barriers: Parents may have trouble communicating with their children, especially if they have different styles, preferences, or expectations. They may also avoid bringing up sensitive or complex topics, such as suicide, depression, or substance use. They may not listen actively or empathically to their child, or they may dismiss or criticize their child’s feelings or thoughts.
• Stress and distractions: Parents may be overwhelmed or preoccupied by their own personal or professional problems, such as work, finances, health, or relationships. They may lack time, energy, or attention to devote to their child’s well-being. They may also have competing demands or responsibilities from other family members or sources.
• Cultural factors: Parents may be influenced by their cultural background, beliefs, or values, which may affect their perception and response to suicide and mental health issues. They may face stigma, discrimination, or isolation from their community or society. They may also have different views or expectations of their child’s behavior, role, or identity.

These reasons are not meant to blame or shame parents but rather to help them understand some of the possible challenges or obstacles they may face in detecting and preventing suicide risk in their children and teens. By being aware of these reasons, parents can take steps to overcome them and seek help when needed.

Why do children have communication barriers with their parents?

There are many reasons why kids may not communicate with their parents about the troubling issues they have at school. Some of them are:

• Fear of judgment or criticism: Kids may worry that their parents will not understand, accept, or support them if they share their problems. They may fear their parents will blame, scold, or punish them for their mistakes or difficulties. They may also feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation and want to avoid adverse reactions from their parents.
• Lack of trust or connection: Kids may feel their parents need to be more interested, available, and attentive to their needs. They may think their parents are too busy, stressed, or distracted by their own issues or responsibilities. They may also feel that their parents do not respect, value, or appreciate them as individuals. They may lack a close or favorable relationship with their parents that would encourage them to open up and confide in them.
• Desire for independence or privacy: Kids may want to handle their problems independently, without involving their parents. They may see their problems as personal or private matters, not concerning their parents. They may also want to assert their autonomy and identity by making decisions and choices. They may resist their parents’ advice, guidance, or interference.
• Communication barriers or difficulties: Kids may need to learn to express their feelings, thoughts, or concerns effectively. They may have trouble finding the right words, tone, or timing to communicate with their parents. They may also face challenges understanding or interpreting their parents’ verbal or nonverbal cues. They may have different communication styles, preferences, or parental expectations. They may also avoid bringing up sensitive or complex topics, such as bullying, peer pressure, or academic performance.

These reasons are not meant to excuse or justify kids’ lack of communication with their parents but rather to help parents understand some possible factors or obstacles that may prevent or hinder their kids from sharing their troubling issues at school. By being aware of these reasons, parents can take steps to overcome them and improve their communication and relationship with their kids.

How can parents know and understand their children better?

Parents can ask their children different daily questions to get to know them better, show interest and support, and identify and address any troubling issues they may have. Some examples of questions that parents can ask their children are:

• How are you feeling today?
• What was the best and worst part of your day?
• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
• What are you curious or excited about learning?
• What are you proud of or grateful for?
• What are you worried or scared about?
• What are some things that make you happy or sad?
• What are some things that make you angry or frustrated?
• How do you cope when you feel stressed or overwhelmed?
• How do you show kindness or respect to others?
• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with others?
• How do you ask for help or support when you need it?
• What are some goals or dreams that you have?
• What are some challenges or problems that you are facing?

These are just some examples of questions that parents can ask their children. The key is to ask open-ended questions, encouraging children to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judging, criticizing, or lecturing them. Parents should also listen actively and empathically to their children and respond with affirmation, validation, and guidance. By asking these questions regularly, parents can build trust and connection with their children and help them cope with any troubling issues they may have.

Should you talk about suicide to your children?

Talking about suicide to children can be very effective in preventing and reducing the risk of suicide among them. Research has shown that talking about suicide does not increase a child’s risk of suicide. Instead, it creates a safe and supportive environment where they can ask questions, express their feelings, and seek help if needed. Talking about suicide can also help dispel myths, misinformation, and stigma about suicide and mental health issues and educate children about the signs, risk factors, and resources for suicide prevention.

However, talking about suicide to children can also be challenging and sensitive, and it requires careful preparation and guidance from parents and caregivers. Some tips for talking about suicide to the children are:

• Choose an appropriate time and place: Find a quiet and comfortable setting where you and your child can have a private and uninterrupted conversation. Avoid talking about suicide when you or your child are angry, upset, or distracted. Choose a time when you and your child are calm and relaxed and when you can give your full attention and support to your child.
• Follow your child’s lead: Let your child initiate the conversation if they bring up the topic of suicide, or ask them if they have heard or learned anything about suicide. Listen to their questions, concerns, or experiences, and answer them honestly without giving too much or too little information. Use age-appropriate language and examples that your child can understand and relate to. Avoid using euphemisms, such as “passed away” or “went to sleep,” that may confuse or mislead your child. Instead, use clear and direct terms, such as “died by suicide” or “killed themselves.”
• Ask open and direct questions: If your child does not bring up the topic of suicide, you can ask them open and direct questions to start the conversation. For example, you can say, “I heard about a new TV show/movie that talks about suicide. Have you seen it or heard about it?” or “I read that youth suicide has been increasing. Do you know anyone who has thought about or attempted suicide?” or “Have you ever felt so sad or hopeless that you wanted to end your life?” Asking these questions will not put the idea of suicide in your child’s head or make them more likely to act on it. On the contrary, it will show them that you care and are willing to listen and help them.
• Express your love and support: Let your child know that you love them unconditionally and are always there for them. Validate their feelings and thoughts, and acknowledge their pain and struggles. Avoid judging, blaming, or criticizing them for their suicidal thoughts or behaviors or for the suicide of someone they know. Instead, reassure them that they are not alone and that hope and help are available. Please encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts with you or other trusted adults, such as teachers, counselors, or doctors.
• Seek professional help: If your child admits to having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or if you suspect they do, do not try to handle the situation alone. Get in touch with your child’s doctor, a mental health professional, or a suicide prevention service as soon as possible. They can provide a thorough assessment of your child’s suicide risk, offer counseling and treatment options, and help you create a safety plan to prevent a suicide attempt.

Remember, talking about suicide to children can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for both you and your child. By following these tips, you can have a meaningful and helpful conversation that can make a difference in your child’s mental health and well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this. Many resources and people can help you and your child. Paying attention, asking questions, seeking help, and providing support can make a difference in your child’s mental health and well-being.