Teen Suicide: Signs Parents Should Look For

Children today are experiencing unprecedented challenges. Social isolation adds layers to the challenges of children becoming depressed. Attending school online can be stressful. With bullying on social media, a child today is not able to walk away from bullies at the end of the school day like in our childhoods. Children have the inability to see these struggles as temporary. This can add to anxiety, depression, and a trauma response. Possible signs for parents to become aware of that your child may be at risk:

• Change in friends, isolating from peers and family members

• Feelings of low self-esteem, worthlessness, or sadness

• Loss of interest of pleasurable activities 

• Thoughts of death or dying

• Intentional self-harm

Signs you may see from a teenager who is planning to commit suicide (including but not limited to):

• Feelings of emptiness or feeling like they are a bad person

• Giving away possessions, cleaning their room, saying goodbye or writing letters of goodbye, postings on social media

• Verbal cues, “Nothing is good for me, I would be better off dead, people would be better off with me out of their life, I can’t take it anymore.” 

• A sudden boost in cheerfulness after being depressed 

What can you do? Ask them if they are planning on harming or killing themselves. Be direct

With the right family support, a child can find hope and coping skills to help them navigate these difficult times. Remember, professional help is always available. You are not alone, support is just an email or phone call away.

Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.