Suicide can be a terrifying topic to talk about or even think about when it comes to your child, but there are ways to identify and help those teens who have thoughts of suicide.
Talking Points:
- The teenage years are full of challenges, struggles, and the search for identity, but it is important to know when your teen’s struggles reach dangerous depths. If your teen starts acting differently, seemingly changing his or her entire personality or any actions that just seem “off” to you, it is worth talking about.
- While the prospect of asking a question like “do you think about killing yourself?” can be scary, it could be exactly what your teen needs to hear. Showing that you care, and avoiding questions and statements that diminish their pain can provide them with the support they need to deal with these feelings.
- Reach out to resources such as a doctor and get your teen the help they need. Make sure they know you are in this journey with them and that you will be there to help. Ensure they have resources available to them at all times such as the phone number of a suicide hotline or a list of people they know they can reach out to at any time.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever dealt with friends or family members who have contemplated suicide? Have you ever had suicidal thoughts yourself?
- Do you have any fears about asking direct questions about suicide? If yes, what are they and why do you think you have them?
- What are some ways you can start a conversation with your teen if you are concerned they might be suicidal?
- Who are some people and resources you know who your teen can reach out to for help with depressions and thoughts of suicide?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
