The most important thing you can do if you think your child is suicidal is to explore the situation openly. If your child states that he has suicidal ideas or intentions or plans then an immediate mental health evaluation is necessary.
Unfortunately, things are not always that clear, so first ask yourself is my child or teenager depressed? If after a week or two, a sad mood does not budge or gets worse and signs of depression are present, be concerned. Talk to your child openly about how he or she is feeling. Include direct questions about suicide. Many parents mistakenly feel that by asking about suicide they will put it in a child’s mind. This does not happen. It is important to know what your child is thinking and direct questioning is the best way to find out. You can ask directly about suicidal ideas, rehearsals, preparations, and the like. This can also be done by asking something like: Sometimes when we feel like this, thoughts of dying or wanting to take your own life can pop up. Has that ever happened to you? Further probing can include other questions like:
- Do you think about death?
- Do you feel like you want to disappear?
- Do you feel hopeless?
- Do you think about the afterlife?
It is also essential that you look for possible signs of preparation: a note or other writing, a weapon, or hoarded medication. Increased drug use is also a high risk sign
If, after open, kind, and compassionate questioning of your sad child, without lecturing or criticizing, you see no progress in the depression, and have little or no handle on understanding the situation, and see any signs of possible suicidal intent, then a mental health assessment is needed. No time should be wasted in getting professional attention.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.
