What Can You Do When You Are Worried About A Teen Talking About Suicide

It is important when talking to a teen about suicidal thoughts that you never promise them that you will keep everything a secret. They will likely ask for it, especially if you are a friend and not a parent, but the last thing they need is for this to be kept secret. It is much better to have them alive and angry than dead and you dealing with the knowledge you made the wrong choice. Suicide prevention training can help with this and how to treat them with compassion and respect and that you yourself need support too.

Talking about suicide

Having someone to talk to and listen to is a great relief for someone who is thinking about suicide. Raising the topic does not ever trigger someone into wanting to do it, who was not already thinking about it. When we are going through intense emotions we are not good problem solvers, and then add in that teens are not always good at that anyway. The key to talking with them in youth suicide prevention is to be non-judgemental, to validate and care and to show your concern. Some questions you might ask if you are worried about them are;

1. Are you thinking about killing yourself, ending your life, or suicide?
2. Do you feel trapped?
3. Have you ever tried to end your life before?
4. Do you feel alone or not included in things?
5. Do you use any drugs or drink alcohol?
6. Have you been feeling like you have a weight on your shoulders?
7. Do you feel disconnected from things?
8. Do you have ways you can kill yourself nearby?
9. Do you feel like people do not need you or that you are a burden?
10. Do you have anxiety?
11. Have you had someone you know die by taking their own life?
12. Are you sleeping okay?
13. Is there someone they want with them that makes them feel safe?

Also consider whether there have been major mood swings, a change in their attitude and behaviour, not attending school and grades dropping, being distant and reserved. Suicide prevention training can help with identifying what to look for.

Things to do or say that can help

Here are some things that can help with youth suicide prevention when you are talking to someone with suicidal thoughts.

• Learn and remember the warning signs and look for them
• Treat any threat or attempt seriously
• Do not judge them and be empathetic even if it happens more than once
• Ask them directly about whether they are thinking about taking their life and ask about their plan if they do
• Do not make them feel unimportant or minimise their pain
• Do not let them swear you won’t tell anyone
• Ask if there is anything you can do that can help
• Get support from professionals and talk an adult if you are a peer
• Don’t debate with them or use cliches
• Don’t leave them alone if they are saying they are going to try when you go
• Take away obvious methods they might use to kill themselves if the timeline is now
• Take them to an emergency room or clinic or a crisis service centre

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Created on Feb 2nd 2023 05:05. Viewed 74 times.

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