Teenage years can be tumultuous, but what should parents do if their teen expresses suicidal thoughts? Understanding and addressing teen suicidal thoughts is a critical concern for parents. In this article, we’ll explore key insights and strategies for recognizing and responding to teen suicidal ideation, as well as how residential treatment programs like those offered at Build Bright Care Group can provide specialized support for teens in crisis.
Recognizing Teen Suicidal Thoughts: Signs and Symptoms Every Parent Should Know
Suicidal thoughts among teenagers are a serious mental health issue that requires immediate attention and intervention. As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate your teen is experiencing suicidal ideation:
Expressions of Hopelessness:
Teenagers may express feelings of despair, hopelessness, or worthlessness, indicating a lack of belief in a positive future.
Withdrawal and Isolation:
Teens may withdraw from social activities, isolate themselves from friends and family, or express a desire to be alone.
Changes in Mood:
Sudden and significant changes in mood, such as increased irritability, agitation, or sadness, may be indicative of underlying emotional distress.
Loss of Interest:
Adolescents may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed, neglect responsibilities, or exhibit a decline in academic performance.
Self-Harm Behaviors:
Although teenagers tend to use self-harm as a coping strategy to deal with distress without the intention of dying, engaging in self-harm behaviors, such as cutting or burning, can be a red flag that indicates that the emotional pain they are experiencing is overwhelming or unbearable.
Preoccupation with Death:
Teens may express a preoccupation with death, dying, or the afterlife through conversations, artwork, or social media posts.
Giving Away Possessions:
Teenagers may give away cherished possessions or express sentiments of finality, as if saying goodbye.
Substance Abuse:
Increased substance use or misuse, including alcohol or drugs, can be a coping mechanism for underlying emotional pain and may increase suicide risk (since the brain has less inhibition to act upon impulses when influenced by substances).
Reckless Behavior:
Engaging in reckless or impulsive behaviors, such as driving recklessly or participating in risky activities, may indicate a lack of concern for personal safety.
Verbal Clues:
Direct or indirect statements about wanting to die, feeling like a burden to others or that no one would miss them if they were gone, or having no reason to live, should all be taken seriously and may indicate suicidal thoughts or intent.
What Parents Can Do to Support Teens with Suicidal Thoughts
- Take Every Mention Seriously: Any mention or indication of suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. Express your concern and willingness to listen without judgment.
- Provide Emotional Support: Be empathetic and offer emotional support to your teen. Let them know that you are there for them and that they are not alone in their struggles.
- Get Professional Help: Encourage your teen to receive professional help from a mental health professionals who can provide assessment, support, and treatment.
- Remove Access to Means: If your teen has access to lethal means, such as firearms, knives, ropes, or medications, take steps to restrict access and ensure their safety.
- Consider Residential Treatment: In cases where teens require intensive therapeutic support, residential treatment programs like those offered at Build Bright Care Group can provide specialized care and support tailored to their needs.
Introducing Build Bright Care Group: Specialized Residential Treatment for Teens with Suicidal Thoughts
At Build Bright Care Group, we understand the urgency and complexity of addressing teen suicidal thoughts. Our residential treatment program is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for teens with suicidal thoughts.
Under the guidance of experienced clinicians and therapists, teens receive individualized treatment plans that include medication management, psychotherapy, multiple therapeutic activities, crisis intervention, and 24/7 supervision. Our goal is to help teens stabilize their mental health, develop coping skills, and build resilience.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health and safety due to suicidal thoughts, contact Build Bright Care Group today. Together, we can provide the specialized care and support your teen needs to navigate through this challenging time.
