Teen mental health concerns are a concern throughout the country, with numbers rising practically every year. Addressing these conditions and the resulting increased risk of suicide is essential to ensure teens are safe.
An open dialogue is needed to help youths who are battling mental health concerns, but beginning these conversations can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to talk to teens about suicide and the difference that a supportive environment can make.
Understanding Teen Suicide
Before digging into how to talk to teens about suicide, it’s important to have a grasp of the problem. There typically isn’t one factor that causes a teen to attempt suicide but a combination of them.
Mental health concerns are common risk factors, with those who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other issues being more likely to attempt suicide. Teens who have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse, are also more at risk, as are those who have been bullied.
It’s not always evident who may be struggling with suicidal ideation, but there may be warning signs that include:
- Changes in sleeping or eating
- Neglect of personal appearance
- Mood swings
- Crying spells
- Social media posts about suicide
- Preoccupation with suicide
- Isolation
- No response to praise
- Risky behavior
- Giving their things away
Even if a teen doesn’t display the symptoms above, any radical change in behavior can be a warning sign.
The Importance of Open Communication
The most important thing to remember about how to talk to teens about suicide is that any conversation you have about this subject can be a way to help them. That’s because teens who are struggling often feel completely isolated and lonely. No matter how simple the conversation is, it can open the door for further communication later on.
You might have heard a common myth that talking about suicide “plants” the idea. That’s not true. Speaking about suicide doesn’t increase the risk of it but, instead, offers a lifeline to youths who may not know how to ask for help or who to turn to. It lets teens know there is a safe space for them to talk and express themselves without judgment.
Preparing for the Conversation
The process of how to talk to teens about suicide begins with ensuring you know as much as possible on the subject. Do a good amount of research into the statistics of mental illness, the rate of teen suicide, and the various potential causes.
Once you feel you have an understanding of the subject, look for the right opportunity for the conversation. Choose a calm location where there’s not a lot of foot traffic, and make sure to take a few deep breaths to steady yourself, too. Focus on being non-judgemental.
How to Start the Conversation
The hardest part of how to talk to teens about suicide is probably beginning the conversation. One way to tackle this is to bring up a current news story about a teen who committed suicide. That could be enough to encourage the youth to speak.
If they evade that topic, another option would be to ask them directly if they have thought about self-harm. A direct question is best, but make sure to keep your tone empathetic. Let them know that you’re not there to pass judgment and that they have a right to feel whatever they’re feeling.
What to Say and How to Listen
It’s essential that you validate the teen’s feelings and avoid saying things such as, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Let them know they’re not alone and that there is always help available.
An important part of how to talk to teens about suicide is to listen actively. Don’t interrupt them, and give them time to find the right words to express what they want to say. If you’re not sure what they mean, ask them clarifying questions and make sure you maintain eye contact.
Providing Help and Support
Come prepared with resources you can point the teen to. These can be helplines they can call or books they can read. You can also bring up local mental health services that may be available. Encourage the teen to speak with professionals so that they can receive the support they need.
At the same time, however, ensure you don’t make it appear as though you’re handing them over to someone else. Reiterate that you are there to listen to them when they need to talk.
Another important tip for how to talk to teens about suicide is to start building a support network so that the struggling teen always has someone they can talk to. Involve trusted teachers, family members, and peers.
What to Do in a Crisis Situation
It’s essential to recognize when prompt action is necessary. If there’s a danger that a teen will harm themselves, contact emergency services or suicide hotlines. Remove access to anything that can cause them harm and try not to leave them alone. Letting them know there’s someone there with them and encouraging them to talk can help.
Supporting Teens After a Conversation
Another important step in the process of how to talk to teens about suicide is to follow up on the conversation you had. Keep checking in to see how they are doing and maintain open lines of communication.
It can also be helpful to encourage the teen to focus on self-care and stress management strategies. Remind them that getting professional guidance can help them navigate any mental health concerns they may be battling.
Welcoming Honest Conversations with Rachels Challenge
It may not be easy to know how to talk to teens about suicide, but it’s an essential step that can make a life-saving difference. At Rachel’s Challenge, we can help teens, families, and teachers understand this difficult subject and learn how to speak about it honestly and empathetically. Book an event to take that crucial first step.
