How to Tell Your Parents You’re Having Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming and frightening. Even if you aren’t sure you want to end your life, you may not know how to tell your parents or another trusted adult about these thoughts.
Your parents may suspect you’re struggling, but they might not guess you feel this hopeless. It’s understandable to want to hold back; you may worry about their reaction or want to avoid upsetting them. However, keeping your suicidal thoughts to yourself can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Talking to your parents can be the first step toward feeling safer and improving your situation. While it may initially feel uncomfortable, the tips below can help you start.
Understanding Suicidal Ideation and Thoughts of Suicide
Suicidal ideation, or having persistent thoughts of self-harm or ending one’s own life, is a serious issue that often indicates underlying mental health problems. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to detailed plans about taking one’s own life. According to recent data, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 19, resulting in 2,744 deaths in 2019. The prevalence of suicidal behavior has been increasing, with 5.1% of male and 9.3% of female high school students reporting a suicide attempt in the past year.
Recognizing and addressing these thoughts is crucial. It’s essential to talk to a trusted adult or mental health professional or contact crisis services to get the help you need. Discussing these feelings with someone you trust can be a crucial step toward recovery and safety for young adults and young people. Seeking support and intervention early can significantly improve outcomes and provide the necessary resources to manage mental health challenges effectively.
Talking To An Adult About Suicidal Thoughts
Starting the conversation about your suicidal thoughts with your parents or other family members can be daunting, but it’s an essential step toward getting the help you need. Here are some practical steps to guide you through this challenging process. Remember, it’s okay to feel scared or uncertain—what matters is that you reach out for support.
1. Start By Disclosing Smaller Problems First
It can be challenging to talk about feelings, especially when everything seems negative and overwhelming. Talking about suicide may be the last thing you want to do because the painful feelings become very real when you share them with someone else. You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or like nobody can help you.
If there have been events leading up to how you feel now, start by discussing these problems to make it easier to approach the subject of suicidal ideation. Once you share some of your struggles, you might find it easier to talk about your suicidal feelings.
Your parents might not be able to take away your pain, but they can show their love and support. Sharing your problems helps them understand your situation better and figure out how to help. Opening up can be challenging but can make a significant difference.
2. Tell Them You Have Something Important to Discuss
One effective way to begin the conversation is by simply telling your parents that you are struggling and need their help. This can alert them that you are in crisis and require their support.
Start by saying you have something important to discuss and ensure they understand it cannot wait. If you have trouble expressing yourself, you will have their attention.
Knowing they are supportive can help you feel more comfortable as you talk or write out your message to disclose the deeper issues you’re experiencing. Ensuring they realize the situation’s urgency can make it easier to convey your feelings.
3. Be Honest About Self-Harm and Thoughts of Hurting Yourself
Sometimes, a person may feel like hurting themselves without necessarily wanting to die. Talking to your parents about these thoughts can help them understand your feelings and the kind of plan you’ve thought about. This will help the adults in your life determine what kind of support you need to get through this challenging time.
While it may be scary to share details, and you might worry about upsetting them, providing this information can help them better support you.
Discussing self-harm behaviors or thoughts of hurting yourself helps them understand your triggers and can make your environment safer. Your loved ones can take necessary steps to prevent you from acting on these thoughts, creating a safer space for you.
Related: Understanding Self-Harm
4. Find a Quiet, Private Place to Talk
When talking about serious and potentially life-threatening issues like suicidal ideation, it’s essential to find a quiet place where you can speak to your parents privately. Urgent feelings can make it hard to focus on anything else, so finding a calm environment, like home, is crucial.
A quiet, private place allows your parents to concentrate on you and what you’re saying. It also gives everyone some space to react and communicate. This setting can help manage the emotions during the conversation, making it easier for you and your parents to process and respond to the situation.
5. Write Out Your Feelings if Speaking is Difficult
Strong emotions can make speaking difficult, even if you’ve practiced what to say. You know that once you start talking about feeling suicidal, your parents will react, and everything will change.
If saying these words out loud is too challenging, consider writing your feelings down. Bring a notebook with you and write a short note to start with, stating the most crucial part—that you think about dying or hurting yourself.
This can help you convey your message clearly, even if speaking is hard. Often, getting started is the hardest part. Writing can help you communicate your feelings without the pressure of speaking out loud.
6. Show Your Parents This Article
Opening up to your parents about suicidal thoughts can be tricky, even if you know they support you. Starting the conversation is often the most challenging, but getting help is essential. Suicidal feelings are painful, but there is help available.
Using the tips mentioned above, you can begin the conversation and get your needed support. If you still struggle to talk to your parents, consider showing them this article. It can serve as a way to start a conversation about your feelings and what you need from them.
Information for Parents and Teens About Suicidal Ideation
Dealing with suicidal thoughts or supporting a loved one who is struggling can be incredibly challenging. Whether you are a teenager trying to find the courage to talk about your feelings or a parent trying to understand and help your child, the following information is designed to provide guidance and support.
Recognizing the signs, developing a safety plan, and knowing where to turn for help are crucial steps in navigating this difficult time. Here’s how both parents and teens can approach these sensitive topics to ensure safety and well-being.
1. Recognizing Warning Signs and Mental Illness
For Parents: Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of mental illness can be crucial in preventing a crisis. According to an article in Missouri Medicine, major depressive disorder (MDD) and severe symptoms of depression are associated with a greater likelihood of suicide attempts. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Extreme mood swings
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Changes in eating
- Disruption of standard sleep patterns
- Expressions of hopelessness
If you observe any of these signs or your child discloses that they are experiencing these symptoms, they should always be taken seriously. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can significantly impact your child’s feelings and thoughts. If you notice these signs in your teenager, it is vital to seek help.
For Teens: If you notice warning signs in yourself, such as feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends, or having thoughts of suicide, it’s essential to seek help. Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are treatable, and talking to a trusted adult or mental health professional can make a big difference.
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact New Dimensions today to learn more about how we can support you.
2. Developing a Safety Plan
For Parents: Creating a safety plan with your teenager or young adult is a proactive step in managing suicidal thoughts and ensuring their safety. A safety plan includes:
- Identifying warning signs
- Coping strategies
- A list of emergency contacts for immediate support in a crisis
The contacts list can include anyone who could assist in an emergency, such as trusted friends, family members, or crisis hotlines. Knowing what to do in a crisis can provide a sense of control and preparedness for you and your child.
For Teens: Having a safety plan can help you manage suicidal thoughts. This plan should include recognizing your warning signs, identifying coping strategies, and knowing who to contact when you need help. This could be a trusted friend, family member, or crisis hotline. It may be helpful to ask a trusted adult or mental health professional to help you develop an emergency safety plan.
3. Utilizing Crisis Hotlines and Helplines
For Parents and Teens: In times of immediate crisis, various hotlines and helplines can provide urgent support. Some of these include:
- The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8255)
- Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)
Both of these helplines are available 24/7. These services offer confidential assistance and can guide you through difficult moments. If you are in severe distress, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room for immediate help.
4. The Role of School Counselors
For Parents: School counselors can be a valuable resource if your teenager is struggling with suicidal thoughts. These professionals are trained to handle mental health crises and can provide support, resources, and referrals to mental health services. Encouraging your child to speak to a school counselor if they feel overwhelmed may be beneficial.
For Teens: School counselors are there to help you. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, they can provide support and guide you to the right resources in a nonjudgmental way. Speaking to a school counselor can be an excellent first step in getting help.
5. Managing Social Media and Self-Harm
For Parents: Social media can sometimes exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and isolation in teenagers. Encourage your child to be mindful of their social media usage and take breaks if it negatively impacts their mental health. If your child is engaging in self-harm, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Self-harm is a coping mechanism that can lead to severe injury or death, and professional support is essential to address the underlying issues.
For Teens: Be aware of how social media affects your mood. If you find it makes you feel worse, consider taking breaks. If you are engaging in self-harm, reach out for help immediately. Self-harm is dangerous, and talking to a trusted adult or mental health professional can help you find healthier ways to cope.
Related:
The Negative Impact of TikTok On Teen Mental Health
Setting Healthy Boundaries with Social Media
6. Seeking Support Groups and Self-Care
For Parents: Encouraging your teenager to join a support group can give them a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be comforting and motivating. Promoting self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies can improve your child’s mood and overall well-being.
For Teens: Joining a support group can help you feel less alone. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can be very comforting. Additionally, practicing self-care through enjoyable activities can help improve your mood and overall well-being.
What to Do After a Suicide Attempt
If a suicide attempt occurs, it is critical to seek professional help immediately. This situation represents a severe mental health crisis that requires urgent intervention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and it is essential to respond swiftly to any suicide attempt to prevent further harm.
Related: Finding Help For a Suicidal Teenager
How New Dimensions Can Help
At New Dimensions, we understand the importance of mental health and the challenges that come with suicidal thoughts. We offer partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs tailored for adolescents dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues. Our services are available in Katy, The Woodlands, and Houston, Texas.
Learn More About Treatment for Adolescents
Additionally, we provide online virtual treatment programs accessible to anyone in Texas, including major cities such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and others.
Our comprehensive treatment approach includes:
- Individual therapy: Personalized sessions with experienced therapists to address your specific needs.
- Group therapy: Supportive group environments where you can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.
- Family therapy: Helping families understand and support their loved ones through difficult times.
- Medication management: Supervised use of medications to help manage symptoms.
- Holistic therapies: Integrative treatments such as mindfulness and stress reduction techniques.
For more information about our programs and how we can support you, contact us at 1-800-685-9796 or visit our website at New Dimensions. You can also explore additional resources at our affiliate site, MH Thrive.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Talking to your parents or contacting professionals is the first step to the support and care you deserve. Mental health is essential, and people are ready to help you navigate this challenging time.
Immediate Resources for Help
If you are in crisis and unable to talk to your parents or need immediate support, here are some resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Emergency Room: Go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
- Crisis Lifeline: Reach out for immediate support and guidance during a mental health crisis.
These resources are available 24/7 and can provide the immediate assistance you need.
References
- Harmer B, Lee S, Rizvi A, et al. Suicidal Ideation. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Accessed from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565877/
- Hink, A. B., Killings, X., Bhatt, A., Ridings, L. E., & Andrews, A. L. (2022). Adolescent Suicide-Understanding Unique Risks and Opportunities for Trauma Centers to Recognize, Intervene, and Prevent a Leading Cause of Death. Current trauma reports, 8(2), 41–53. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-022-00223-7.
- Shankar, R., El Kady, R., & Aggarwal, A. (2020). Youth Suicide: A Population Crying for Help? A System Overloaded? Who Can Help?. Missouri medicine, 117(4), 370–374. Accessed from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7431062/
New Dimensions services:
Additional Resources:
How To Tell Your Parents or Loved Ones You’re Feeling Depressed