How to Know if a Child Is at Risk for Suicide

There are signs that children are thinking about hurting themselves - and actions you can take to prevent them from doing so.

Instructions

    • 1

      Notice if your child talks about suicide or makes statements that indicate thoughts of suicide. Examples are "I wish I were dead," "I hate myself," and "The world would be better without me."

    • 2

      Ask your child directly, "Do you really want to be dead?" or, "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" If the answer is yes, ask, "What are you thinking about doing?"

    • 3

      Question your child in a calm, caring manner about how he or she would do it, when he or she is considering doing it, and whether there are actual, available means to do it - meaning access to pills, a gun, a rope, etc.

    • 4

      Listen carefully to how carefully calculated your child's plan is. The more specific the plan, the more serious the thoughts of suicide.

    • 5

      Show empathy and understanding rather than sounding panicky, irritated or upset. Allow your child to express thoughts and feelings openly and completely.

    • 6

      Stay with your child until you determine that there is no immediate danger of harm. Call your doctor and tell him or her that you think your child may be suicidal and you need help immediately.

    • 7

      Take immediate action to protect your child if the suicide plan is carefully calculated. Call 911 or take your child to the emergency room.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Sudden Cardiac Death in Teens
      Sudden cardiac death is particularly horrific because many of the underlying causes do not come with warning signs, making it difficult to treat. The Annals of Pediatric Cardiology suggests that because death generally occurs within one hour of an at
    • Helping Your Teen With Angst
      Teen angst is as quintessential to the teenage experience as having a first relationship or finally getting a drivers license. As a parent, your teens sudden rush of emotions or cries that you "just dont understand!" can make you feel conce
    • How to Fix Laziness in a Teen
      Blame it on modern technology or genes -- either way, lazy teens are a common problem. If your teen is more comfortable lying on the couch and waving away chores or physical activity with a shrug and a noncommittal, “maybe later,” you are