How to spot the signs your teen might be suicidal

Unfortunately, some adults devalue the experiences of teens. We don’t take them seriously; we don’t respect how complicated their lives are or how they see the world. Of course, the hardest thing would be to think of your son or daughter as a suicidal teen.

Teens deal with daily challenges like hunger, homelessness, drugs, school, racism, police killings, or bullying. These can all cause feelings of sadness, fear, anger, and confusion. Teens can experience similar problems as adults. Yet, they have access to fewer resources than adults do. When you think of it this way it’s no wonder our children are experiencing depression at higher and higher rates.

Too often typical teen behavior can actually suggest a more serious mental health issue. For example, irritability and moodiness can be mistaken as usual teen behavior when in fact it may be a sign of depression. Fatigue is another symptom that parents may think of as laziness but actually, it may be a sign of something more serious.  Hopelessness can look like teens care about nothing, but looks can be deceiving in this instance. For a parent or teacher, it may appear as though they’ve given up when really they may be depressed because of a major change in their home life, such as divorce or a bullying situation in school.

How do I know that my teen is at risk for suicide?

The F.A.C.T.S.(Feelings, Actions, Changes, Threats, and Situations) method is an easy way to remember possible warning signs of suicide.

• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, emptiness, depression, and anxiety can be quite overwhelming for teens.
• Actions that might include increased drug or alcohol use, increase in dangerous, risky, or impulsive behavior can be a warning sign that your teen needs help.
• Changes in mood, attitude, or behaviors that seem sudden or out of character for your teen can be another sign of distress.
• Threats of suicide that are vague or specific and statements about suicide, death, or dying whether verbal or on social media should be taken seriously.
• Situations that may trigger a suicide or suicide attempt, for example, a recent break-up, an argument with a close friend, or an incident of bullying can challenge a teen’s ability to cope.

What can I do to help my teen? 

It can be confusing figuring out how to address the mental health of your teen because you are afraid that you might somehow trigger suicide, overreact, or even over-protect.

• Let them know that you are concerned about them. It shows that you really care and that you’re paying attention.
•  Listen to them without judgment or minimizing their experience. 
• Let them know that you really understand and want to help. 
• Encourage them to spend time with friends and family to demonstrate how important they are to others.

If you need guidance and advice on how to handle the upsetting behavior of your children or teen, especially when it reaches the level of acting out, self-harming, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts take steps to get help from a mental health professional. Contact us at Family Matters Counseling.  We have the experience to help your family in crisis.