My teenager has suicidal thoughts, what should I do?

In this age group, young people are often going through are often going through hormonal, behavioral and social changes that can be experienced as major upheavals.

A few definitions

Suicide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the deliberate taking of one's own life. A suicide attempt, according to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), refers to any non-fatal suicidal behavior and any act of self-poisoning, self-mutilation or self-aggression, with or without the intention of dying. Suicidal ideation refers to any thought or intention of taking one's own life. 

Triggers

Various aspects of everyday life can lead young people to commit suicide. They fall into two categories: 

Type of stressors :

Warning signs 

There are several signs that a young person may be having suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Here are some examples: 

• Significant mood changes that persist over time
  • Example: great sadness, while the young person is usually joyful
• Risky or impulsive behaviours that are out of the ordinary
  • Example: an increase in substance use
• Discussions or statements that reflect:
  • Despair
  • Psychological distress
  • A feeling of worthlessness or a feeling of being a burden
• Talking about suicide, making plans with that in mind
• Self-harm
• Social isolation

However, some of these signs may also indicate the emergence of a mental health problem in the young person. They are not necessarily linked to suicidal behavior. That's why it's important to seek the help of a professional or someone you trust, so that you're better equipped to help your child.

The parental role

As a parent, it's normal to feel a range of emotions when you observe certain signs. Here are some of the feelings parents often experience in these situations:

• Worry and fear
• Helplessness
• Guilt
• Hopelessness
• Sadness
• Frustration

Reducing the risk of suicide in young people

There are several ways to reduce the risk of suicide in young people. The first is to alleviate psychological suffering by seeking professional help. Another is to strengthen social ties. Having a social network (friends, confidants, family, etc.) can help young people feel less alone, breaking their sense of isolation and the silence that accompanies it. 

Nurturing hope in young people can also help them see beyond their current problems. Pointing out that there will be better days ahead can have a positive effect. 

Other sources of suicide risk reduction include the promotion of safe environments that encourage communication. In other words, non-judgmental spaces where there is openness and active listening. This can help them to identify their strengths and overcome their problems. 

What's more, a positive school environment can help prevent suicidal risks. For example, services or programs about bullying or mental health can help reduce the rate of bullying in schools, and thus help young people feel better.

The importance of early intervention

It can be induced by a variety of factors, both external and internal, and there are a multitude of warning signs. It's vital to be aware of these signs, and to seek help and refer young people as necessary.

Here are some numbers or organizations to contact:

• 911
• 988, a suicide crisis helpline
• 811 option 2, Info-social
• 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553) and by text at 535353

References

Government of Canada, Suicide prevention in Indigenous communities
Mental Health Commission of Canada, Youth and Suicide Fact Sheet