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Parent Information Sheet: Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
Suspecting suicidal intent by your child is a terrifying experience, a situation for which parents feel unprepared. This information sheet is to help you recognixe the signs of suicidal ideation and understand how best to speak to your child during this time.
Definition
Expressed Suicidal Ideation: This is when someone indicates, either with words, actions or attitudes, an intent to harm themselves with the goal of ending their life.
Suicidal Act or Suicidal Attempt: This is when someone harms themselves and there is evidence that these actions have the intent, or final goal of ending their life. A suicidal act may end in death, injury, or no injury. It is the intent behind the act that defines it as suicidal.
What to Do
Try to remain calm. Help is available.
Do not judge your child or yourself.
It is okay to ask your child directly if they are thinking about suicide. (“Are you thinking about suicide?”). You will not be planting the idea by asking about suicide directly.
Focus your concern on their well-being, and avoid being accusatory.
Actively listen to your child and their concerns, even if it is hard to hear.
Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the child alone. Remove any means of self-injury.
Get help. Seek help from your primary health care provider, community mental health supports and school as soon as possible.
Warning Signs
FEELINGS: A distinct change from past feelings; feelings of hopelessness; fear of losing control; helplessness; worthlessness; feelings of anxiety, worry or anger.
ACTIONS: Distinct change from the way your child acted in the past. For example, increased talk of death or suicide, increase of dangerous risks, withdrawl from previously enjoyed activities, use of alcohol or drugs
CHANGES: In personality, sleeping patterns, eating habits; loss of interest in friends or enjoyable activities; sudden improvement after a period of withdrawal or concerning behavior
THREATS: Threats that convey a sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, or preoccupation with death (“Life doesn’t seem worth it sometimes”, I wish I were dead”, Heaven’s got to be better thatn this”); suicide notes and plans, studying ways to die, obtaining a weapon or stash of pills; previous suicide attempts or threats.
SITUATIONS: Situations that can serve as a trigger points for suicidal behaviours: loss or death; trouble at home; in school or with the law; a break-up; or impending changes for which your child feels scared or unprepared.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Being exposed to the ideas of others who are experiencing suicidal ideation, who provides encouragement related to suicide, or who are being bullied online can be triggers for suicidal ideation. Ask for information about how to protect your child online.
There are resources available for you and your child.
Available Supports
Call 9-1-1 for significant addiction and/or mental health problems that you feel require immediate attention, or your child is at high risk to harm themselves or others.
HELPFUL WEBSITES
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: www.suicideprevention.ca
Centre for Suicide Prevention: www.suicideinfo.ca
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide: www.sptsusa.org
Outreach Centre/Suicide Prevention- Red Deer: www.theoutreachcentre.org
Youth Smart-Canadian Mental Health Association: www.youyouthsmart.ca/get-help/community-resources
URGENT SUPPORTS
Local Urgent Care or Emergency Departments 911
local hospital or call 9-1-1
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868
Suicide Distress Centre (free 24/7 crisis line) 1-800-784-2433
TTY (for the hearing impaired) 403-543-1967
NON-URGENT SUPPORTS
Access Mental Health (for Red Deer and area) 1-888-594-0211
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Clinicians help people navigate the addiction and mental health system. They are familiar with both Alberta Health Services and community based programs and will explore options and direct/refer clients to the most appropriate information and options for addiction and mental health services.
Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642
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