Access to means can play a role if a teen is already suicidal. Safely store firearms, alcohol and medications.If your teen has suicidal thoughts while taking an antidepressant, immediately contact the doctor or get emergency help. But antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood. Though it's uncommon, some teens might have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or when a dose is changed. Also, encourage your teen to participate in activities that will help him or her rebuild confidence. Help your teen follow his or her doctor's recommendations. If your teen is undergoing treatment for suicidal behavior, remind him or her that it might take time to feel better. Help your teen eat well, exercise and get regular sleep. Feeling connected and supported at school can have a strong protective effect. If your teen is hurt or upset by social media posts or messages, encourage him or her to talk to you or a trusted teacher. While social media can give teens valuable support, it can also expose them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure. Keep an eye on your teen's social media accounts. Monitor and talk about social media use.Encourage your teen to spend time with supportive friends and family. Never shrug off threats of suicide as teen melodrama. Listen to what your child is saying and watch how he or she is acting. If your teen is thinking about suicide, he or she is likely displaying warning signs. If your teen is sad, anxious, depressed or appears to be struggling - ask what's wrong and offer your support. But, if he walked up to me and said he had a loaded gun under his bed, Id still go look.You can take steps to help protect your teen. Im 99% positive my six-year-old nephew cant get, and doesnt have, a gun. There is no downside.įor all the manipulation, teenage angst, and dramatic rantings out there, I still take all threats seriously. So, your teen gets life-saving medical care or a life-changing experience that will make him or her a better person. Would you want to take that risk if there is even a 1% chance that youre wrong? Also, a teen learning the lesson that threatening suicide isnt a weapon to be wielded in a disagreement or a tool for manipulation is a very valuable lesson. Many people dont want to waste their time or waste a doctors time with something that they believe is just a adolescent being manipulative.Īnd they would be wrong to think that. Suicidal threats are not something to take lightly. Mental illness, mental health crises, and thoughts of suicide are medical issues that need medical intervention.Įven if you are sure the teen is just being dramatic, seek medical help anyway. Do not ignore the comment and do not try to handle it on your own. Call 9-1-1, take them to the emergency room, take them to the doctors office or local health department. If someone says that he or she is considering suicide, you immediately get the person medical help. What Do You Do When Someone Says He or She Is Considering Suicide? Crying wolf doesnt just hurt them it causes a ripple effect that prevents people who need care from getting it. Addressing the first reason is obvious addressing the second ensures that your teen doesnt minimize the experiences of people who truly need help.
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