Parent Information

Parents play an important role in supporting their child. During adolescence, children begin to share less with their parents and teachers, and confide in their peers about problems they face. It is important that parents are aware of risk and protective factors regarding suicide.

If you believe your child is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is important to address the issue directly:

1. Ask your child, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

2. Be empathic towards your child with his or her answer. Let them know you are there for them.

3. Provide support to your child considering suicide by taking them to the emergency room for an evaluation.

4. Provide ongoing support through mental health counseling either through the school or in the community so your child can receive help with their suicidal thoughts.

5. Get support for yourself by seeking out counseling or parent support groups.

6. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs and protective factors around suicide.

7. Be aware of community resources that specialize in assisting youth with thoughts of suicide.

Youth Suicide in the United States*

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States. *

• In recent years more young people have died from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, congenital birth defects, and diabetes combined. *

• For every young person who dies by suicide, between 100-200 attempt suicide. *

• Males are four times as likely to die by suicide as females, although females attempt suicide three times as often as males. *

SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE

Here is what you can do

• Talk to your child about suicide. Asking direct questions will not put ideas into their minds, as many fear. Asking for help is the single greatest skill that will protect your child. Help your child identify and connect to caring adults to talk to when they need guidance and support.

• Know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.

• Remain calm. Establish a safe environment to talk about suicide.

• Listen to your child's feelings. Don't minimize what your child says about what is upsetting him or her. Put yourself in your child's place; don't attempt to provide simple solutions.

• Be Honest. If you are concerned, do not pretend the problem is minor. Tell your child there are people who can help. State that you will be with him or her to provide comfort and love.

• Be Supportive. Children look for help and support from parents and siblings. Talk about ways of dealing with problems and reassure your child that you care. Let children know their difficult feelings will not last forever.

• Take Action. It is crucial to get professional help for your child and the entire family. When you are close to a situation it is often hard to see problems clearly. You may not be able to solve the problem yourself.

  • Help may be found at a suicide prevention center, local mental health agency, family service agency, or through your clergy.

  • Become familiar with the support services at your child's school. Contact the appropriate person(s) at the school; this could be the school social worker, school psychologist, school counselor, or school nurse.

  • Remove access to firearms or other lethal means from your home.

Youth Suicide Risk Factors

While the path that leads to suicidal behavior is long and complex and there is no "profile" that predicts suicidal behavior with certainty, there are certain risk factors associated with increased suicide risk. In isolation, these factors are not signs of suicidal thinking. However, when present they signal the need to be vigilant for the warning signs of suicide. The behaviors listed below may indicate that a child is emotionally distressed and may begin to think and act in self-destructive ways. If you are concerned about one or more of the following behaviors, please seek assistance at your child's school or at your local mental health service agency.

HOME PROBLEMS

• Running away from home

• Arguments with parents/caregivers

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

• Temper tantrums

• Thumb sucking or bed wetting/soiling

• Acting out, violent, impulsive behavior

• Bullying

• Accident proneness

• Sudden change in activity level or behavior

• Hyperactivity or withdrawal

PHYSICAL PROBLEMS

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches for no apparent reason

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Nightmares or night terrors

SCHOOL PROBLEMS

• Chronic truancy or tardiness

• Decline in academic performance

• Fears associated with school

Serious Warning Signs

• Severe physical cruelty towards people or pets

• Scratching, cutting, erasing, burning, or marking the body

• Thinking, talking, drawing, or posting to social media about suicide

• Previous suicide attempts

• Risk-taking, such as intentional running in front of cars or jumping from high places

• Intense or excessive preoccupation with death

This information in addition to resources can be found at the Los Angeles County Youth Suicide Prevention Website