Suicide is never a joke. However, teens may talk like it is. For example, a teen may say, “I’m just going to kill myself” if they do poorly on an exam or don’t make the sports team for their school. However, if you believe that your teen is having suicidal thoughts, taking the right actions can make a significant difference.

The suicide risk for teens has become more and more prevalent in recent years, becoming one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. for ages 15-19. In data taken in 2023, approximately 22% of U.S. high school students reported serious thoughts about suicide, and 10% of students attempted to kill themselves in the past year. While these statistics can be difficult and disheartening, it’s important to know what to do if you recognize that risk in your own teen.

Read on to learn about how you can help teens stop and address their suicidal thoughts.

How to talk to a teen about suicidal thoughts

Suicidality refers to someone being at risk of killing themselves. One of the main components of suicidality is suicidal ideation, which refers to suicidal thoughts. It can also involve suicidal plans or attempts.

In order to help your teen address their suicidal thoughts, you have to start with an open and honest conversation. Try not to push them to talk before they’re ready, as they may lash out or feel judged. But you can say things like, “I’ve noticed that you seem to be struggling, and I wanted to let you know that I’m here,” or, “Is there something that’s been on your mind that you want to talk about?” 

You can also ask a teen directly about suicide to make sure that they’re not brushing off the seriousness of the conversation. It shows how much you care about their well-being and how you’re perceptive to their negative emotions and behaviors.

Empathy and active listening are critical when it comes to addressing your teen’s suicidal thoughts. Validating their feelings about difficult situations and mental health struggles can help them feel heard and understood. It shows that someone is on their side and they aren’t as alone as they think.

The goal of helping a teen to open up about their suicidal thoughts should be to help them find the resources and professional health care they need for their mental health distress. While you don’t want to make them feel forced into the decision, you can discuss potential options and collaborate on the best possible course of action. 

It’s important to note that if a teen is showing signs of intending to take their own life or they are having a mental health crisis that puts themselves or others in danger, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support. 

The following courses of action should only be pursued if your teen isn’t showing signs of active suicidal ideation, meaning they have no intent of taking their life. When you’ve intervened with a potential mental health crisis, follow-up is essential for helping your teen’s mental health management and continuous support. 

Depending on the severity and cause of their suicidal thoughts, there are different options worth pursuing for teens, including:

• Outpatient therapy — If a teen’s suicidal thoughts are stemming from a mental health disorder or overwhelming distress in their everyday life, they may benefit from weekly sessions with a psychotherapist. Through therapy, a teen can get to the root issues causing their thoughts and learn how to adjust their mindset for an improved quality of life.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — When a teen’s mental health distress is interfering with their everyday life, including suicidal thoughts impacting their productivity and relationships, an IOP can help. An Intensive Outpatient Program, like the one we offer at Lightfully Teen, is a structured, supportive program that provides a higher level of care than regular therapy alone. It includes individual, group and family therapy.
• Residential Treatment Center (RTC) — If your teen requires 24/7 behavioral care to alleviate their suicidal thoughts, then Lightfully Teen’s Residential Treatment Center option may be the answer. It gives them a place to focus solely on improving their mental health through a variety of therapy sessions as well as activities and outings.

Talk to your teen’s doctor about your concerns. They can work with your family to determine the best treatment option for your teen’s mental health.

Causes and signs of suicidal thoughts in teens

A number of mental health disorders have suicidal thoughts as a possible symptom, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. A teen may also have suicidal thoughts during difficult life changes and circumstances, such as a family conflict, bullying or following the death of a loved one.

Since suicidal thoughts occur inside a teen’s mind, it’s not always easy to determine when they’re struggling with thoughts of killing themselves or self-harm. Here are signs that a teen may be having suicidal thoughts:

• Talking casually about suicide or death
• Being pessimistic or feeling hopeless about the future
• Sharing feelings about being a burden or feeling trapped
• Withdrawing or isolating away from others
• Giving away their possessions
• Using illicit substances

Lightfully can help address your teen’s suicidal thoughts

While it can be difficult and upsetting to recognize signs of suicidal thoughts in your teen, there are ways for you to show them support and reduce the risk of them putting themselves in danger. Whether that be having them open up about their feelings or finding treatment options, you can make a difference.

At Lightfully Teen, our IOP and RTC are safe and effective options for teens struggling with suicidality. They consist of evidence-based, whole-person-centered care provided by deeply compassionate experts.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step to stop your teen’s suicidal thoughts, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of your teen.