Suicide Prevention for Teens: How You Can Help Your Son or Daughter
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Adolescence can be difficult for many teens. Rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes can leave your teen feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood. Other life challenges, such as bullying and social isolation, can make your teen contemplate suicide. As a parent of a suicidal teen, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child spiral into depression and lose all hope of living. It is crucial that you address the issue immediately once you notice the signs of suicide. We understand that discussing suicide can be difficult, but it is a hardship you have to endure.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young Americans. It is too important of a subject to be ignored. This article aims to help parents, guardians, and educators understand how they can help their teen who is suicidal. This article will equip them with the necessary skills to approach such a sensitive topic. If your teen needs immediate help, contact Nexus Teen Academy’s teen mental health program today.
Warning Signs of Teen Suicide
Before delving into how you can prevent suicide in teens, you must understand what to look out for. The following are warning signs of teen suicide:
A sudden preoccupation or fascination with death
Giving away valuables to family and friends
Comments like “I’m going to kill myself” or “I wish I was dead.”
Engaging in risky behavior
Disregard for one’s life
Self-harm
Talking about feeling helpless or trapped
Researching suicide methods
Increase in drug and substance abuse
Suicide Prevention in Teens: What You Can Do
What can I do to help my suicidal teen? Many parents find themselves asking this question. Suicide and suicidal ideation are complex. There are several things parents can do to help teens struggling with mental health and contemplating suicide. These include the following:
Addressing Mental Health and Suicide
Having age-appropriate conversations about suicide and mental health can be beneficial for your teen. As a parent or guardian, it is important to address issues relating to mental health as early as possible. Do not wait for your teen to approach you about the matter. Parents should play an active role in their teens’ lives and ensure their physical and psychological health is managed.
If you notice your teen is sad, ask them about it. Do not let their mental health deteriorate before addressing the situation. Early intervention can be the difference between life and death.
Paying Attention To Your Teen’s Needs
As your child grows, their needs evolve, and what they need as a child differs from what they need as a teen. As a parent or guardian, you should pay attention to your teen’s needs. It is crucial that you understand your teen’s emotional needs to prevent them from feeling neglected. You should meet your teen’s emotional and physical needs to improve their mental well-being.
Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle
Spending too much time alone cooped up in a room can cause your teen emotional distress. Encourage a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and social activities. Teens tend to isolate themselves as they try to form a personal identity. However, parents or guardians should encourage healthy social interactions in teens. All humans crave connections, and teens are no different. Social isolation causes teens to become sad and overwhelmed. If you encourage your teen to have a social lifestyle, it can greatly improve their mental health and prevent suicidal thoughts.
Healthy food and exercise can also help improve your teen’s mental health. If your teen is struggling with mental health challenges, encourage them to exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve your teen’s mental health and overall mood.
Building A Positive Relationship with Teens
A good relationship is the foundation of good mental health. It is every parent’s dream to see their child happy and thriving. This can be easily achieved through building good relationships with teens. Yes, it can be challenging to parent a teen, but parents should not jeopardize their relationships with growing teens. A good and healthy relationship helps teens feel less alone when struggling with life’s stresses. They know they have someone they can count on when times get tough. Parents and guardians are encouraged to foster positive relationships with their teens to ensure their mental well-being.
Seeking Professional Help
If you notice your teen is exhibiting signs of deteriorating mental health, suicidal ideation, or self-harm, like teen cutting, it is critical that you seek professional help immediately. In recent years, the focus on treating and managing mental health has increased. It is now widely understood that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Professionals have a wide range of tools and techniques that are useful in treating mental health conditions. The expertise and experience of professional therapists and clinicians are invaluable in helping your teen’s mental health recover.
Suicide Prevention Resources for Teens
Suicide in teens is a public health crisis. This has necessitated the creation of various suicide prevention resources for teens. If you are a suicidal teen or a parent of a teen contemplating suicide, you can use the following resources for suicide prevention:
The Trevor Project is a leading crisis and suicide prevention organization that provides support for young people in crisis. It offers 24/7 free and confidential counseling for teens. If you are a teen in crisis, you can reach the organization through the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. The Project also offers TrevorSpace, where LGBTQ+ teens can connect and build an international community.
988 Lifeline is committed to providing emotional support for teens in crisis. Its counselors help teens facing emotional distress, substance abuse issues, mental health challenges, and teens in crisis. 988 offers a variety of counseling services through call, text, chat, or video chat for deaf or Hard-of-hearing teens. Reach out to experts by calling or texting the 24/7 toll-free line at 988
Crisis Text Line connects teens in crisis with volunteer crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year. It offers free and confidential support to teens in crisis. You can reach a crisis specialist by texting “HOME” to 741741.
Some Local Resources available for teens in Arizona include:
Teen Lifeline. This is a free and confidential hotline connecting teens with crisis volunteers. It offers text and call services through (602) 248-TEEN (8336).
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy offers high-quality residential treatment for teens near Phoenix, Arizona. We provide individualized care for teens struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, including suicidal ideation and attempted suicide. We understand that life can be difficult for teens. Our highly experienced and qualified staff have extensive experience with teens. They understand teen issues and seek to improve your teen’s mental health and general well-being.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer a variety of treatment options. Your teen will first undergo a thorough screening to ensure they are enrolled in the right program. We offer individual, group, holistic, and family therapy to assist teens in crisis. Our therapy options incorporate evidence-based treatment modalities like teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). If your teen has attempted or has a high likelihood of attempting suicide, our residential treatment center offers round-the-clock support.
Here is an overview of our different treatment modalities and their benefits.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment modality that has been shown to be successful in treating various mental health issues. It is based on the principle that psychological problems are based on negative thoughts, which manifest as negative behavior. CBT helps teens identify and change negative thoughts to improve their outlook on life. This is done through activities like journaling, which offers an outlet for negative thoughts. CBT equips teens with skills like emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms to help improve their mental health.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy first developed to treat borderline personality disorder. It is suitable for teens with emotional regulation issues. DBT helps teens understand that two opposing ideas can coexist and that changing one aspect affects the other. It allows teens to stop denial of their mental health challenges and work to conquer them. DBT teaches teens skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help them cope with difficult situations.
Residential Treatment Center. RTC offers 24/7 care for teens with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. If your teen has attempted suicide, RTC may be best for them. It creates a safe and secure environment free from distractions to help your teen focus on treatment. Its structure prevents teens from attempting suicide while recovering from their mental health challenges. Nexus’ RTC offers educational support to ensure your teen does not fall behind in school.
Holistic Therapy. Nexus offers yoga and art therapy to complement traditional psychotherapy. These treatments help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms by providing an outlet for difficult emotions.
If you need help, contact Nexus Teen Academy. Our team is here to help and can provide expert insight into your situation. Call our team today for immediate assistance.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Suicide Prevention for Teens: How You Can Help Your Son or Daughter
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On November 25, 2024
Table of Contents
Adolescence can be difficult for many teens. Rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes can leave your teen feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood. Other life challenges, such as bullying and social isolation, can make your teen contemplate suicide. As a parent of a suicidal teen, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child spiral into depression and lose all hope of living. It is crucial that you address the issue immediately once you notice the signs of suicide. We understand that discussing suicide can be difficult, but it is a hardship you have to endure.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young Americans. It is too important of a subject to be ignored. This article aims to help parents, guardians, and educators understand how they can help their teen who is suicidal. This article will equip them with the necessary skills to approach such a sensitive topic. If your teen needs immediate help, contact Nexus Teen Academy’s teen mental health program today.
Warning Signs of Teen Suicide
Before delving into how you can prevent suicide in teens, you must understand what to look out for. The following are warning signs of teen suicide:
Suicide Prevention in Teens: What You Can Do
What can I do to help my suicidal teen? Many parents find themselves asking this question. Suicide and suicidal ideation are complex. There are several things parents can do to help teens struggling with mental health and contemplating suicide. These include the following:
Addressing Mental Health and Suicide
Having age-appropriate conversations about suicide and mental health can be beneficial for your teen. As a parent or guardian, it is important to address issues relating to mental health as early as possible. Do not wait for your teen to approach you about the matter. Parents should play an active role in their teens’ lives and ensure their physical and psychological health is managed.
If you notice your teen is sad, ask them about it. Do not let their mental health deteriorate before addressing the situation. Early intervention can be the difference between life and death.
Paying Attention To Your Teen’s Needs
As your child grows, their needs evolve, and what they need as a child differs from what they need as a teen. As a parent or guardian, you should pay attention to your teen’s needs. It is crucial that you understand your teen’s emotional needs to prevent them from feeling neglected. You should meet your teen’s emotional and physical needs to improve their mental well-being.
Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle
Spending too much time alone cooped up in a room can cause your teen emotional distress. Encourage a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and social activities. Teens tend to isolate themselves as they try to form a personal identity. However, parents or guardians should encourage healthy social interactions in teens. All humans crave connections, and teens are no different. Social isolation causes teens to become sad and overwhelmed. If you encourage your teen to have a social lifestyle, it can greatly improve their mental health and prevent suicidal thoughts.
Healthy food and exercise can also help improve your teen’s mental health. If your teen is struggling with mental health challenges, encourage them to exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve your teen’s mental health and overall mood.
Building A Positive Relationship with Teens
A good relationship is the foundation of good mental health. It is every parent’s dream to see their child happy and thriving. This can be easily achieved through building good relationships with teens. Yes, it can be challenging to parent a teen, but parents should not jeopardize their relationships with growing teens. A good and healthy relationship helps teens feel less alone when struggling with life’s stresses. They know they have someone they can count on when times get tough. Parents and guardians are encouraged to foster positive relationships with their teens to ensure their mental well-being.
Seeking Professional Help
If you notice your teen is exhibiting signs of deteriorating mental health, suicidal ideation, or self-harm, like teen cutting, it is critical that you seek professional help immediately. In recent years, the focus on treating and managing mental health has increased. It is now widely understood that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Professionals have a wide range of tools and techniques that are useful in treating mental health conditions. The expertise and experience of professional therapists and clinicians are invaluable in helping your teen’s mental health recover.
Suicide Prevention Resources for Teens
Suicide in teens is a public health crisis. This has necessitated the creation of various suicide prevention resources for teens. If you are a suicidal teen or a parent of a teen contemplating suicide, you can use the following resources for suicide prevention:
Some Local Resources available for teens in Arizona include:
Some online resources for teens in crisis include the following:
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy offers high-quality residential treatment for teens near Phoenix, Arizona. We provide individualized care for teens struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, including suicidal ideation and attempted suicide. We understand that life can be difficult for teens. Our highly experienced and qualified staff have extensive experience with teens. They understand teen issues and seek to improve your teen’s mental health and general well-being.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer a variety of treatment options. Your teen will first undergo a thorough screening to ensure they are enrolled in the right program. We offer individual, group, holistic, and family therapy to assist teens in crisis. Our therapy options incorporate evidence-based treatment modalities like teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). If your teen has attempted or has a high likelihood of attempting suicide, our residential treatment center offers round-the-clock support.
Here is an overview of our different treatment modalities and their benefits.
If you need help, contact Nexus Teen Academy. Our team is here to help and can provide expert insight into your situation. Call our team today for immediate assistance.