Anxiety in Kids
If a child has persistent feelings of worry and fear, it could ...
READ MESupporting A Child Who Is Thinking Of Suicide
As a parent it’s frightening to hear your child talk about suicide and it can be difficult to know how to help. You are your child’s greatest source of support.
If you think your child is having thoughts of suicide
It may feel overwhelming but there are ways you can support them.
- Trust yourself and your instincts
- Take warning signs seriously
- Let your child know that you are concerned
- Ask if they are okay and offer to help
- Listen to your child without judgement
- Get professional support through a GP, psychologist or counsellor
- Encourage them to talk to a Kids Helpline counsellor for support
If your child is in immediate danger, call 000 and stay with them until they are safe.
As a parent it might be difficult to tell the difference between warning signs and normal ups and downs for your child
Common warning signs are:
Withdrawing from others
Increased alcohol or drug use
Not doing things they use to enjoy
Self-harming behaviours like cutting
Increased risk-taking or recklessness
Dramatic changes in mood, including being suddenly happy
Giving away possessions, saying goodbye or writing a note
Talking about death or suicide (even in a joking way)
Having the means to end their life such as medication or weapons
Feeling like a burden to others – “You would be better off without me”
Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless, alone or having no reason to live
Hints they are thinking about suicide such as “I’d like to go to sleep and never wake up”
As parents we can be our child’s greatest source of support
How you can help your child with thoughts of suicide:
- Let them know that they are not alone with this
- Be open to talking about their suicidal thoughts
- Be direct when asking them about suicide
- Ask about plans and immediate risk
- Remove anything that might cause harm (medication, sharp objects, rope)
- Help your child get professional support. Keep checking in on their wellbeing
Hearing that your child is having suicidal thoughts is distressing and it is likely to have a big impact on you
You are not expected to be their counsellor or to know exactly what to do.
It’s OK to seek help for yourself.
Reaching out for professional support is important for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your child.
Looking after yourself means that you can be more available and responsive to help your child get through this.
You’re not alone - support is available for you and your child
Here are some more counselling and crisis support options:
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for young people up to the age of 25
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 for people over the age of 15
- Make an appointment to see a GP, psychologist or counsellor
- Parentline in your local State or Territory
"Know that it's okay not to have all the answers: just listen, be patient, show them you care, and help them get professional support"
- Samuel*, 17
This content was last reviewed 17/05/2018
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