Talking About Suicide With Your Teen

Talking About Suicide With Your Teen

With mental illness prevalence on the rise in our children, it’s both natural and difficult to consider the risk of suicide, especially when it comes to your own child. As awareness grows, more parents are recognizing the signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions in their children. Yet, despite increased conversations around mental health, suicide remains a topic that is often shrouded in fear and uncertainty. Many parents struggle with knowing when and how to address the issue, and misconceptions about its causes and prevention can make it even harder to take the right steps. Understanding the reality of childhood mental health challenges is the first step in ensuring that children receive the care and support they need.

Recognizing When Help is Needed

When your child is struggling with a mental health condition, it’s almost always something that develops over time. Maybe it’s been just a few weeks, but more often, it’s months or even years of noticing changes. You’ve likely already sought help—perhaps after waiting through long waitlists, switching between providers, or trying treatments that didn’t work or, in some cases, made things worse.

Why Talking About Suicide is Important

If things continue to deteriorate, concerns about suicide may become more pressing. Of course, you’ll want to ensure your child’s environment is as safe as possible and seek support from professionals, family, and community resources. However, one crucial step often gets overlooked: having an open and direct conversation with your child about suicide.

Many parents struggle with this conversation for two main reasons. First, they fear that bringing up the topic might plant the idea in their child’s mind if it wasn’t already there. Second, the subject itself is deeply painful to discuss—for both parents and children alike. These concerns are understandable, but avoiding the conversation can leave children feeling more isolated and unsupported.

The Power of Open Communication

It’s important to know that research shows discussing suicide does not increase the risk. In fact, it may lower it. Talking openly provides an opportunity for children to share their struggles and for parents to better understand what their child is going through. Isolation is one of the most dangerous aspects of mental health crises—human connection and open conversation have always been powerful tools in helping one another through difficult times.

Getting the Right Support

Navigating these conversations and situations isn’t easy, and professional support is often necessary. Ensuring physical safety is critical, but so is creating an environment where your child feels heard and supported. This is where your pediatrician and mental health professionals play a key role in guiding your family through these challenges.

How Lighthouse Pediatrics Can Help

At Lighthouse Pediatrics, I work closely with families to address mental health concerns early, hopefully before they reach a crisis point. My approach prioritizes strong relationships, open communication, and easy access to care, so parents don’t have to wait months for answers. Whether it’s identifying early warning signs, connecting you with the right specialists, or helping your child develop coping skills, I’m here to ensure no family faces this journey alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.