Why Should You Care?

According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-29. The stigma around suicide can make it scary to bring the topic of suicide up to a teen, just like talking about sex and drugs. Moreover, some people may worry that talking about suicide with a teen might give them suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In the Internet of Everything era, we must remind ourselves that teens have access to many real-world topics, talking about suicide does not give them the idea. In fact, talking about suicide can help teens express their concerns, access help and identify strategies for preventing suicide. So, let us talk about how to talk about suicide with teens!

Tips for Talking to Teens about Suicide

Talk about suicide during a neutral time

• Driving in the car
• Sharing a meal together
• Watching television

De-stigmatize by talking about suicide with support and empathy, hold judgment to open the conversation.

• Show empathy instead of reluctance to help teens know you are open to talking about suicide
• Let teens know you are a safe person to discuss suicide
• Normalize the fact that people think about suicide and talking and getting help is useful
• Provide education about suicide www.afsp.org or www.suicidolgy.com

If they bring up suicide:

• Talk more in depth about suicidal thoughts and if they have a plan or the means to die
• Listen, be supportive and caring
• Stay with your teen – do not leave them alone, even to call for assistance
• Seek immediate help for them by calling the National Suicide Hotline or call 911 immediately
• Seek support from therapists and psychiatrists who specializes in working with teens and suicide

The key is to not shy away from the topic so when the time comes that the teen needs to talk about their thoughts of suicide, they know you are a safe person. Talking about it openly lets them know that you would be comfortable dealing with their thoughts about it, and are a person who can take care of them in the event that they are in a crisis. They know they can talk about it with you instead of living in shame, isolation, and/or despair that the stigma of suicide can bring.