When someone you know is hurting

It’s not easy being young. Children and teens can find themselves surrounded by tremendous pressures pushing in at them from all sides. Grades, relationships, drugs and alcohol, social pressures, extracurricular activities, problems at home; these can all add up and can be hard for anyone to handle, including children, pre-teens, and teens. And when the pain, stress, or anxiety overwhelm a young person’s ability to cope, they may feel hopeless and alone and suicide can feel like the only way to make all of the pressure and pain stop.

Everyone feels overwhelmed, sad, or anxious at times, so how can you tell if a young person whom you love or care about is thinking about suicide? Below are some warning signs you can look for; pay special attention if any of these behaviors seem new or related to a painful event, such as a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend:

• Presence of a psychiatric disorder (e.g., depression, drug or alcohol, behavior disorders)
• Recent severe stressor, such as difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation; unplanned pregnancy, or significant real or anticipated loss
• Family instability, significant family conflict.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly or impulsively.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.
• Exposure to another’s suicidal behavior

If your child or teen shows any of these behaviors, consider finding help. Listen carefully with warmth, care, and compassion to what they are saying. Don't dismiss what they are saying by thinking they are lying or being dramatic, and don’t judge, criticize, or blame. If you need to find help, call a suicide hot line or contact a mental health professional.

National 24-hour hotlines:
Boy’s Town National Hotline: (800) 448-3000
National Runaway Switchboard & Suicide Hotline: (800) 786-2929
Trevor Suicide Hotline: (866) 488-7386
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255

Local 24-hour hotlines:
Bluebonnet Trails Crisis Hotline: (800) 841-1255
Hill Country Crisis Hotline: (877) 466-0660

Additional Information:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org