Youth suicide is on the rise. Thanks to increased social media use and effects from school stressors and bullying, kids and teens are facing challenges that are uniquely harder to navigate than previous generations.
As a parent, you may be wondering how you can talk to your child about suicide and how to get them help, if the need arises. Dr. Kevin Triemstra, pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s, provides his insight on the topic.
If you feel your child needs immediate help, take them to the nearest emergency room, dial 911 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If it’s not an emergency situation, but you have concerns about their mental health, talk to their provider.
Can social media play a role in suicidal ideation for some kids? If so, how?
Social media has a significant impact on the mental health of kids. For example, there is evidence that social media increases body-image concerns in females and increases the risk of depression and anxiety for some users. Additionally, unlimited access to peers can expose kids to subjects and issues for which they are unprepared. Being exposed early to suicidal behaviors on social media can have a contagion like effect. A 2008 review of 16 studies examining suicide in adolescents found that simply being exposed to the suicidal behavior of a peer increased the chances of suicide in a child.
Can it be helpful to ask if someone is thinking about suicide?
Often someone who is feeling depressed or is contemplating suicide will internalize those thoughts and feelings. Sometimes they even feel shame about their mood or about having those types of thoughts. Asking someone specifically about what they are thinking or feeling can provide an opening to a conversation about suicidal ideation. Bringing those thoughts out into the open can make it possible for people to then get the help and support they need.
What cues can parents look for that may warrant a conversation about suicide?
Because suicidal ideation is often associated with depressed mood, the two main warning signs are a loss of interest in the types of activities that your child would normally enjoy and a change in their mood to being more down and more tired. For example, if your child is not getting together with friends and is withdrawing from social activities when that is not typical for them, a conversation about mood is needed. Additionally, if they are lying in bed all day and they seem more irritable or sad when you are talking to them, it is a good indicator to start a conversation.
What are some ways parents can start the conversation with their child in a non-judgmental way?
Quality time is essential for having these important conversations with your child. I think the easiest way to have these conversations is to make sure you have regular one-on-one time with your kid in the form of family meals or something similar. Even if it is a small amount of time, putting away distractions and asking your child about their day can make it easier for them to approach you when something is wrong. In these conversations, it may be helpful to also practice active listening. In active listening you are not trying to fix, change, or critique, but instead, you are trying to make sure your child knows that you heard them. A simple way to do that is to paraphrase what your child has said. This demonstrates that you are paying attention and that you care about what they are saying.
If my child is in crisis, or needs immediate help, what should I do?
If a child is in need of immediate help due to suicidal ideation, we encourage parents to bring them to their nearest hospital emergency department. Akron Children’s has professionals in our emergency departments who assess patients to determine their safety and to provide guidance on what support is needed. If necessary, parents should call 911 to set up transportation to their nearest hospital. There are suicide hotlines that can be used for non-emergency situations. For example, dialing 988 or texting to 988 will connect people to free and confidential support.
If I initiate an intervention, be it at the crisis level or lower, what happens?
The first step in any behavioral health intervention is a thorough interview to find out what specifically is needed for your child. That interview usually includes conversations with your child and with caregivers. After that interview, an individualized treatment plan will be developed by you and the behavioral health professional with whom you are working. In a therapy setting, you may then start to get information about strategies that are proven to help. In a psychiatric setting, you may then begin talking about possible medication recommendations.
What are one or two things that most parents don’t know about suicide prevention?
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), in 2001 suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10 to 14 years and 20 to 34 years. Hence, the prevention of suicide is a tall task with many different components. One important key to prevention is the willingness of parents to restrict a child’s access to things that can be used to do them harm. When a child is depressed or is reporting suicidal ideation, restricting their access to firearms and medications is extremely important. Having access to firearms increases the risk of suicide even for those without a known history of psychological concerns. Storing guns unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition and storing medications in a locked container are simple steps that significantly reduce the risk of suicide.
If you feel your child needs immediate help, take them to the nearest emergency room, dial 911 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If it’s not an emergency situation, but you have concerns about their mental health, talk to their provider.
