Warning Signs of Teen Suicide and How to Respond

Teen Suicide: Identifying Warning Signs and Ways to Respond

Youth who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs – some more subtle, others more pronounced. Parents, friends, and other trusted adults are in a key position to identify the signs and get help. Suicide is preventable

Talking openly and honestly about emotional distress and suicide is okay. It will not make someone more suicidal or put the idea of suicide in their mind. While teens who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly, knowing how to acknowledge and respond when thoughts of emotional distress or suicide are shared with you is important

Risk Factors Associated with an Increased Likelihood of Suicidal Thoughts

  • Mental illness (e.g. depression, conduct disorder) or substance abuse

  • Family stress/dysfunction

  • Environmental risks, including presence of a firearm in the home

  • Situational crises (e.g., traumatic death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, family violence, bullying)

Underage Drinking and Teen Suicide

Pre-teens who drink alcohol are substantially more likely to be involved in violent behavior as adolescents and young adults. In fact, research has shown that high-risk teens who drink alcohol underage are three times more likely than their non-drinking peers to attempt suicide, and those who begin drinking before age 13 are more likely to also be victims of dating and peer violence.

Warning Signs

  • Suicidal threats in the form of direct statements such as, "I am going to kill myself"

  • Suicidal threats in the form of indirect statements such as, "I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up again”

  • Suicide notes and plans, including messages and posts shared online

  • Prior suicidal behavior • Making final arrangements (e.g., making funeral arrangements, writing a will, giving away prized possessions)

  • Preoccupation with death

  • Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts and/or feelings

How to Respond

  • Remain calm

  • Ask the teen directly if he or she is thinking about suicide

  • Focus on your concern for their well-being and avoid accusations

  • Listen attentively

  • Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever

  • Do not judge them or their thoughts

  • Offer to stay with them. Do not leave the teen alone

  • Offer to go with them to get help or contact a crisis line

  • Remove means for self-harm

  • Never keep what you’ve heard a secret

  • Seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible

What to Say

Talking with and finding help for a student that may be suicidal can be difficult. Here are some tips that may help.

  • Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

  • Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.

  • Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.

  • Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

  • Don’t dare him or her to do it.

  • Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.

  • Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

  • Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

  • Take action. Remove means, like weapons or pills.

  • Connect the student to the right school personnel who can continue to help the student and connect the student to the right resources.

  • Get help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, get help now.

  • Talk with a friend, family member, counselor, or therapist

  • Text “START” to 741741

  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

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