Many teens who die by suicide show warning signs ahead of time. But those signs aren’t always easy to spot.
Even when teens won’t admit that they’re struggling, their behavior may show that they need help. These are some of the signs to look for:
Emotional
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
- Feeling like a burden or expressing worthlessness
- Sudden mood swings or emotional withdrawal
Behavioral
- Talking, writing, or posting online about death or suicide
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
- Reckless or self-harming behaviors
- Withdrawing from friends, school, or activities
- A sudden “sense of calm” (if they have been stressed and then seem suddenly peaceful, this can be a sign something is wrong)
Physical
- Fatigue, headaches, stomaches
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Frequent complaints with no clear medical cause
State of mind
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Expressing feelings of:
- Being trapped or desperate
- Humiliation or hopelessness
- Having no reason to live
Online Behavior
Sometimes teens share signs of emotional struggles online. If you see something that worries you, reach out. A simple, “I saw your post. Are you okay?” can open the door to a life-saving conversation. Keep an eye out for things like:
- Posts about hopelessness, loneliness, or saying goodbye
- Sharing sad or intense messages or images
- Suddenly deleting or changing their accounts
- Following or interacting with content about suicide or self-harm
How to talk to teens
Let your teen know that it’s safe to talk to you. Here are some conversation starters:
- Start with honesty: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Talking openly about suicide doesn’t cause it. In fact, asking directly can be the first step toward getting help and building trust.
- Speak from the heart: “I love you, and I’m really scared of losing you.” Or, Let’s find someone who can help us figure this out together.”
- Act early. Don’t wait for things to get worse. Silence doesn’t mean that everything is ok. Reaching out early can make all of the difference.
Where to get help
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7: Call or text 988
- Hamilton Psychiatric Emergency Services: 513-584-8577
- Clermont County: 513-528-SAVE
- Butler County: 1-844-427-4747
- Middletown: 513-860-9240
- Oxford: 1-844-427-4747
- Warren/Clinton Counties: 877-695-6333
- Cincinnati Children’s Psychiatric Intake Response Center: 513-636-4124 (Available 24/7 for caregivers and professionals seeking support or referrals)
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