How do I know if my teen is thinking about suicide?
Adolescence is a major transitional period that can be fraught with emotional, family and social challenges. For some, these challenges can result in psychological distress that may become intense and, in some cases, lead to suicidal thoughts. Here are some elements you can look out for to find out if your teen may be thinking about suicide.
Was this content helpful to you?
Thanks
Pay attention to what your teen is going through and what can lead to suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts in adolescents are never the result of one specific cause. A teen thinking about suicide is generally faced with an accumulation of difficulties or problems. For example:
- They are going through a difficult situation (bullying, family conflicts, breakup, etc.)
- They have experienced trauma in the past
- They are living with mental health issues
- They have attempted suicide in the past
- One of their loved ones has died by suicide
- They have substance or alcohol use issues
These factors can heighten a teen’s risk of considering suicide. These are only some examples, however, and this list is not exhaustive. To know more about the risk factors associated with suicide, you can visit our page on the subject: Suicide Risk Factors.
Be attentive to signs your teen may have suicidal thoughts
A teen who thinks about suicide generally shows warning signs that can indicate the presence of suicidal thoughts. These signs can manifest in different ways. Here are some examples:
Direct messages
Your teen says things like:
- "I want to die by suicide.”
- “I’d be better off dead.”
- “I just want to end it all.”
- “I’m having dark thoughts.”
- “I don’t feel like living anymore.”
Indirects messages
Your teen mentions things like:
- “Life just isn’t worth living.”
- "You would be better off without me.”
- “Soon, I won’t be around anymore.”
- “I figured out a solution to my problems.”
Direct or indirect messages on social media
Your teen comments on, likes, or posts content about things like death, suicide or despair.
Changes in behaviour
Your teen is showing changes in their behaviour, for example:
- Decreased concentration in class
- Decreased academic performance
- Unusual absence from class
- Excessive use of drugs, alcohol or medication
- Self-harming behaviors
- Lack of energy or, on the contrary, hyperactivity
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Strong interest or preoccupation with death (e.g., interest in ways to commit suicide, consultation of suicide-related Internet sites, etc.)
- Donation of precious objects
Isolation
Your teen is isolating themselves. For example, by:
- A lack of interest and pleasure in their activities
- Cutting off contacts with friends or family
- Seeking out solitude
- Refusing to communicate
Emotional signs
Examples :
- Depressive symptoms
- Anxiety
- Aggressivity, irritability
- Absence of emotion
- Mood swings
- Self-deprecation, weak self-esteem
If you notice your teen is suddenly overjoyed after a period of feeling down without any apparent reason or major change in their situation, this can also be a sign of distress. Sometimes, a person can see suicide as a way to end their suffering, so it’s important to be aware of this kind of sudden boost of energy.
What to do if your teen is showing signs of distress
Even though signs of distress don’t necessarily mean your teen is thinking of suicide, it’s still important to take them seriously. It’s always a good idea to ask them the question directly. For more help in how to do so, you can visit our page about how to support a teen who is thinking of suicide.
Resources are available
If you are worried about your teen, you can also contact a professional to discuss the situation.
To speak to someone specialized in suicide prevention:
- Call 1 866 277-3553
- Text 535353
- Chat here
Other resources to speak with a professional:
- Lignes Parents
- Info-Social (811, option 2)
