What Parents Need to Know About Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens aged 14-18, with alarming statistics showing that 30% of girls and 14% of boys have seriously considered it. While these numbers are concerning, parents can take proactive steps to protect their teens. As a school counselor, I often have tough conversations with parents about their child’s suicidal thoughts. These moments are overwhelming, but with the right education and tools, parents can play a crucial role in suicide prevention and support their teen through this difficult time. Here are a few crutial topics we will cover in this post:
Recognizing the warning signs
Opening the lines of communication
Strengthening protective factors
Knowing when to take immediate action
When my son was in 4th grade, I got a call from his teacher that stopped me in my tracks—he had been talking about suicide at school. As a school counselor, I’ve been on the other end of that phone call countless times, but this time, it was different. It was my own child. In that moment, a wave of emotions hit me—fear, confusion, deep worry, and, if I’m honest, a bit of embarrassment. Suicide prevention is what I do for a living. Shouldn’t my own child be immune to these struggles?
That day, I learned that no amount of knowledge or training can make your family immune to mental health challenges. Over the next several months, we worked tirelessly to support my son and get him to a healthier place. I thought I understood the pain and anxiety parents face when their child is struggling with mental health, but it wasn’t until I was in the trenches myself—worrying, battling exhaustion, and constantly wondering if I was doing enough—that I truly got it. Thankfully, my son is doing much better today, but even with all my professional experience, I felt unprepared for the journey.
I’ve seen many parents face this same heartache, fear, and uncertainty. In an effort to help, I’ve compiled the latest research on suicide prevention and present it in a way that’s simple, practical, and easy to understand. This post offers a brief overview of best practices in suicide prevention. For a more comprehensive guide, check out my ebook, A Parent’s Guide to Suicide Prevention.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Teens don't always directly express when they’re in emotional pain, which is why it's important for parents to watch for changes. Warning signs include withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, sudden mood swings, or even a fixation on death. The earlier you can spot these red flags, the sooner you can intervene to help.
Take action: Pay attention to the subtle shifts in your teen’s behavior. Early recognition is key to getting ahead of a crisis.
Opening the Lines of Communication
Having a conversation about suicide can feel overwhelming, but your teen needs to know you’re willing to ask the hard questions. Starting a conversation with compassion and without judgment creates the space they need to open up. Directly asking about suicide doesn’t increase risk, it shows them you’re taking their feelings seriously.
Take action: Let your teen know you’re available to talk—starting with empathy and a listening ear is often the best first step.
Strengthening Protective Factors
Protective factors help teens build resilience against mental health challenges. A sense of belonging, strong coping skills, and limiting access to means of harm are essential in reducing risk. Encouraging your teen’s connections to friends, family, and the community gives them a vital safety net.
Take action: Foster environments where your teen feels connected and supported, whether through family activities or encouraging positive friendships.
Knowing When to Take Immediate Action
If your teen is showing serious signs, like discussing a plan to harm themselves or seeking access to lethal means, it’s time to intervene quickly. Contact a mental health professional or take them to a local emergency room for immediate help.
Take action: Don’t wait. If the threat feels urgent, prioritize your teen’s safety and seek professional help immediately.
If you're noticing these signs in your teen, don't wait to act. You can make a difference today by opening up the conversation and reaching out for the support your family needs. Seek guidance from a mental health professional to keep your teen safe and supported.
Downloadable Suicide Prevention Ebook
For a deeper dive into the latest research on suicide prevention, download my free ebook, A Parent’s Guide to Suicide Prevention. This comprehensive resource is essential for every parent—whether your teen is currently struggling or not. By understanding the causes of suicide and recognizing early warning signs, you can be proactive and prepared. With the right tools and knowledge, you can make a difference. Remember, suicide is preventable, and the first step is equipping yourself with the information that can save lives.