What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention
In this session, parents will gain an understanding of the dynamics surrounding suicide, including its underlying reasons, warning signs, and appropriate responses. We’ll explore what to say, what not to say, and where someone who might be contemplating suicide can go to seek help.
By addressing suicide openly and empathetically, parents can de-escalate suicidal ideation and guide their children toward appropriate support and intervention. Unwavering support and understanding are essential in helping children navigate life’s challenges.
By addressing suicide openly and empathetically, parents can de-escalate suicidal ideation and guide their children toward appropriate support and intervention. Unwavering support and understanding are essential in helping children navigate life’s challenges.
Instant Insights
Deep Dive
Key Takeaways
1
Understanding Suicide Ideation
Identify signs of suicide ideation, including feelings of being a burden or contemplating self-harm, to enable early intervention.
2
Prefrontal Cortex Development
Brain development continues into the mid-20s, highlighting the need for active parental involvement, as young individuals may struggle to articulate their issues.
3
Proactive Approach
Reach out proactively to offer support and discuss mental health. Initiating these conversations can be empowering and potentially life-saving.
4
Family is Hope
Keeping hope alive within the family is crucial. Parents and caregivers are essential in instilling hope and preventing suicide.
5
Peer-to-Peer Support
Programs like Hope Squad emphasize the value of peer support in schools, encouraging adolescents to discuss mental health issues with each other.
6
Shift in Influence
During middle school years, friends may influence children more than family. Recognizing this can help parents support their children effectively.
7
Building Resilience
Allowing children to face and learn from failures builds resilience. Parents should avoid constantly rescuing them from challenges.
8
Warning Signs
Be alert to warning signs of suicide risk, including changes in behavior, academic performance, and emotional expression.
9
Effective Communication
Address suicidal thoughts by listening without judgment, validating feelings, and encouraging open dialogue. Offer support, empathy, and hope instead of dismissive responses.
What to Say, NOT to Say, and Resources
Research indicates that discussing suicide does not implant the idea in someone’s mind. Instead, having the right conversation can help reduce suicidal thoughts.
What NOT to Say
- “You don’t really mean that. You don’t really want to die.”
- “Suicide is so selfish.”
- “Things could be worse. It’s not that bad.”
- “Just get over it.”
What to Say and Do
- Stay Calm – Don’t try to fix it.
- Don’t Interrupt. Listen. Say two words for every hundred words your child says. Respond like a friend would, say “Tell me more. I am here for you. I am listening…”
- Validate and Encourage, saying things like “I’m sure this is really painful for you.”
- Ask Questions. You won’t give them the idea of suicide. It’s already out there.
Ways to Get Help
- 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7 Call, Text, or Chat
- 1-800-273-TALK(8255), National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 741741, Crisis Text Line, 24/7 mental health support via text message
- National Alliance on Mental Health HelpLine M-F, 10am – 10pm ET
Call – 1-800-950-6264
Text – Text “helpline” to 62640
Chat – https://www.nami.org/
Additional Resources
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On Demand Course
Course Content
My child’s best friend recently killed themself and I’m not sure what to say to my son.
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