As children and teenagers grow, it is common for them to show changes in mood and behaviors. Youth who are having suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviors do not always seem depressed, and it is important to be able to tell the difference between moods and behaviors that are normal for teens from those that could suggest that your child is experiencing more serious mental health concerns.
Warning Signs
- Talking about wanting to kill themselves or escape pain in direct or indirect ways could mean the child or teen is experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviors. This can sound like, “I want to die”, or “I feel like I can’t go on”.
- Subtle, minor, or gradual changes in sleep, behaviors and mood over time is a part of normal child development. Major shifts in sleeping patterns, behaviors and/or mood should be given attention, as it may be a sign of suicidal thoughts or feelings.
- It’s common for young people to express their thoughts and feelings through art or writing. Art or writing that has themes of emotional pain, violence, or death should be asked about.
- It is not unusual for teenagers to be curious about or to experiment with drugs or alcohol. However, frequent and over-use of drugs and/or alcohol is often linked with suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Imminent Signs of Suicide
If you notice any of these signs, find help right away and don’t leave your child alone.
- Researching ways to die, including getting a gun
- Talking about specific plans or ideas about how to die
- Making final arrangements, such as giving away their things, planning a funeral, and/or saying goodbye
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or someone else, call 911 (emergency services) or 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline).
You can learn more about suicide prevention from the National Institute of Mental Health.
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