The current situation has created unique challenges for everyone. Here are some key signs to look out for if you’re worried about your teen having suicidal thoughts, what to say and where to go for extra support.
*Please note if your child or someone you know has just attempted suicide, is seriously injured or in a life-threatening condition please call 999 and stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
The information below is not intended as medical advice and is only intended to offer points you may wish to consider in ‘non-emergency situations’, together with signposting for more support. You should consult an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your child or someone you know.
___
It goes without saying that this is a supremely challenging time for many of us. For teenagers coping with heightened emotions and hormonal changes - it can seem even more overwhelming, isolating and be even more difficult to handle and devastating than for other demographics.
One issue that may be concerning you is if your teenager if showing what you consider to be signs of suicidal tendencies or thoughts – or indeed if they are worried that one of their peers is showing signs.
While there are no hard and fast rules, it’s helpful to know some key signs to look out for and what to initially say and most importantly where to go for help if someone chooses to confide their feelings to you.
The key is often displayed by signs that they have lost their feeling of self-worth, are feeling a burden, that the world/their family would be better off without them. These can manifest themselves in a wide number of ways including (but not limited to)
Behavioural Signs - Look for behavioural changes such as being withdrawn, not enjoying activities they used to enjoy or be engaged by, giving things away they previously didn’t want to part with.
Verbal Signs – A change in the language they use when talking or voicing morbid thoughts such as “I can’t do this anymore.” “Who would miss me if I wasn’t here”, “what’s the point” as well as hints that they may soon be gone or won’t cause trouble for much longer.
Physical Signs – Look for weight loss, lack of care in their appearance, poor hygiene, changes to a sleep pattern or increased use of alcohol or substances – as these are often tell-tale signals. Also keep alert for evidence of planning – collecting medication or randomly buying facilitating products like rope.
Emotional Signs – they have a low mood, a fixation with death, may voice feelings of hopelessness, loneliness and feelings of worthlessness.
Your conversation may reveal how far progressed your child’s feelings are. Generally, the frequency of thoughts and the level of planning will correlate to the risk level of actually attempting suicide. This should help you determine your next steps – which can include a range of supports from talking to the GP, taking them to A&E, arranging counselling or calling the emergency services. If possible, try to enable your child to be part of the plan for the next steps.
NHS Every Mind Matters mental health support
The Samaritans provide a free 24-hours a day, 7 days a week support service on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Mind - the Mental health charity’s advice on wellbeing during Coronavirus
Young Minds mental health support including specific support to mental health wellbeing in the Coronavirus context.
The Ollie Foundation - suicide awareness and support
Papyrus - A service for young people who are thinking about suicide, or those with concerns about others. Support line (10:00–22:00 weekdays/14:00–22:00 weekends): 0800 068 41 41,
Calm Harm - an app specifically targeted for young people’s mental health.
Students Against Depression - a site with resources for young people with low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
Childline 0800 11 11 practical advice and helpline for a wide range of mental health and children’s support issues.
The Mix - a wide range of mental health support service for 13 – 25 year olds.
Shout 85258 a free 24-7 text service for anyone in crisis in the UK.
The Calm Zone - The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) a site specifically targeted at supporting men and preventing male suicide.
Learn Safe - family and young person supports for keeping safe online.
The Whole Child a range of parent resources to support 13-18 year olds
Happy Maps - a parent facing resource with advice on children’s behaviour and mental health
Sane – support site for mental illness.
Rethink – expert information and listings of local resources and groups to support mental health.
* Please note that Bright Horizons has no control of the contents of third party sites and cannot assume responsibility for the operation or content of these sites.