Talk to your Child-
- Talk in a calm, non-accusatory manner
- Let them know you love and care
- Convey how important they are to you
- Focus on concern for their well-being
- Make statements that convey you have empathy for their stress
- Encourage seeking professional help
- Reassure them that they will not feel like this forever by utilizing appropriate help
Prevent Your Child’s Suicidal Behavior-
- Prioritize interacting with them in positive ways
- Increase their involvement in positive experiences
- Monitor appropriately your child’s whereabouts and communications (i.e., texting, Facebook, Twitter) with the goal of keeping them safe
- Get involved and be aware your child’s friends
- Communicate regularly with other parents in your community
- Limit your child’s access to guns, knives, alcohol, prescription pills, and illegal drugs
- Communicate regularly with your child’s school to ensure optimal safety and care for your child in the school setting
Seek Professional Help
- Be safe, not sorry!
- Take appropriate action when needed to protect your child
- Feel that something is not right
- Notice warning signs in your child (including worsening signs)
- Recognize if your child has a lot of risk factors for suicide and few protective factors
- Find a mental health provider that has experience with suicidal youth
- Choose a mental health provider with whom you and your child feel comfortable
- Participate actively in therapy with your child
