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SOS Signs of Suicide

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Parent and Caregiver Training

Helping Your Child Save a Life

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Suicide can be a challenging topic for everyone.

Remember, help is always available >

The Crisis Text Line and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available 24/7.

Please take a break if needed.

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Agenda

Helping Your Child Save a Life

Youth suicide prevention basics

ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell)

What to do when your child ACTs

Building coping skills

Resources

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Thoughts of suicide

Loss of hope

Untreated

depression

Access to guns

Isolating/withdrawing

Drinking or drug use

Why does suicide happen?

Trying to stop intense emotional pain.

Share the cube as a visual for the complex mix of factors that could lead someone to think about suicide.

Untreated depression: The majority of people who die by suicide have a mental health disorder (most commonly depression). These mental health conditions are treatable but many kids struggle without getting help. When depression goes untreated, a young person may begin to feel so hopeless that they consider suicide.

Drinking or drug use: Many young people who struggle with depression also struggle with alcohol and/or drug use. Talk to your child about the dangers of using alcohol or drugs to cope with negative emotions. If you are aware of your child using substances, seek support.

Access to guns: Suicide crises are often short term but having access to a gun makes it easier to carry out the act in an instant. Many people keep unlocked guns in their homes, making them easy to get, quick, and deadly for any young person. Reduce suicide risk by not storing a gun in your home. If you choose to keep a gun in your home, keep it locked, unloaded, and lock/store ammunition separately.

Thoughts of suicice: When someone has thoughts of suicide, it does not necessarily mean wanting to die. Instead the person is trying to solve the problem of intense emotional pain and hopelessness. People generally don’t want to die. They want the pain to stop.

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Feeling of hope

Coping skills

Treatment for depression

How can we prevent suicide?

Preventing access to guns

Connection to peers and trusted adults

Healthy habits

You play an important part in keeping young people safe.

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A

Acknowledge signs of depression or suicide in a friend

C

Care: Show their friend they care

T

Tell a trusted adult

If your child sees Signs of Suicide, they are learning to ACT

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Anger

Acknowledge warning signs

Most people give clues they are thinking about suicide…

Talking about suicide

Big changes in behavior

Sleeping more or less

Drinking or drug use

+ withdrawal from family or friends

Hopelessness

Overwhelming Pain

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Show you Care

Tell me more about it

It’s okay to feel that way

I’m here for you

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If you are worried your friend is thinking about suicide, you NEED to tell a trusted adult.

Do not promise to keep a secret.

It’s worth making a friend mad at you if you are trying to save their life.

Tell a trusted adult

Mom/Dad, I need to tell you something. I’m getting worried about….

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Remember, help is always available:

Their pediatrician
Their school counselor
For immediate safety, call 911

If your child is worried about a friend

Listen to your child’s concerns and encourage them to seek help
Contact their friend’s parents directly and share your child’s concerns
Contact school mental health staff/administrator so they can support the child/family
If you are concerned about a child’s immediate safety, call 911
Reassure your child they did the right thing telling you. Work together to help save a life.

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Give yourself permission to be human.

It’s common to feel uncomfortable with this topic.

Managing reactions

You don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers.

Talk to a supportive person beforehand and debrief after.

Most importantly, never keep what you learn a secret.

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Building protective factors

Encourage connection to school, participation in activities, and strong connections to friends.

Let your child know you are always ready to listen - whether they are concerned about a friend or struggling themselves; they do not need to worry alone.

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Building coping skills

A coping skill helps people deal with unpleasant feelings

and hard times.

Staying active

Talking to friends and family

Writing down what you are grateful for

Listening to music

What are your teen’s favorite coping skills?

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Talking to your teen

Whether or not you notice signs, start the conversation. Feelings of depression or anxiety are often hidden because youth are confused, embarrassed, or just uncomfortable talking about it.

Teens often worry that talking to their parent/caregiver will just cause more problems. Make sure your child knows they can talk to you.

Teens need to know:

You will not overreact. You will be a sounding board.
You can handle it. Their struggles are not a burden to you.
You believe them. They are the expert on their own thoughts/experiences.
They are not in trouble. It’s not their fault. It’s okay to feel this way.
They are not alone. You will work with them to keep them safe and get the help they need.

Take some time to start a conversation about mental health.

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Asking about suicide will not put the idea into someone’s head.

Instead, it lets them know you see their pain and you are not afraid to help.

Asking

about suicide

It’s okay to ask about suicide.

I’ve noticed some big changes. You aren’t coming out of your room for dinner. You are having a hard time getting up for school. And you seem really down…

You are not in trouble.

I’m just concerned. These big changes could be signs of suicide.

Have you thought about ending your life?

You are going through a lot right now.

It sounds like you are feeling really overwhelmed and don’t see a way that things will improve.

Sometimes when people feel this way, they think about suicide.

Have you ever had those thoughts?

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Teen-led family meetings; let your teen set the agenda

If the subject comes up in a movie or TV show, have a discussion about it

Out for a walk; the relaxed atmosphere can make it easier for some teens to open up

Taking a drive; sometimes it’s easier to talk about difficult topics without eye contact

Continuing the conversation or have multiple mini conversations on a regular basis instead of one big talk

Enlist other trusted adults; sometimes a grandparent or trusted aunt/uncle can break through when parents have been shut out

Make yourself available on their schedule. “I'm around if you want to talk later”

Tips for getting teens to talk

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Look out for warning signs and seek help immediately

Action steps

Help build coping skills and positive supports for your child

Talk to your child about suicide and be ready to listen when your child

ACTs

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SOS Parent/Caregiver Page

mindwise.org/parent

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Together we can ensure that every student has a trusted adult to turn to.

We appreciate your support of youth suicide prevention in our school and community.

Questions?

SOS is a program of MindWise Innovations, a service of Riverside Community Care’s non-profit organization.

Thank you!