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Intervening At Home: Taking Action When It Matters Most
If you suspect your child is struggling with suicidal thoughts, here’s what you need to know. (Not sure? Here are the signs of suicide risk to look for.)
When a teen or young adult is in crisis, families play a critical role in ensuring their safety and connecting them with the support they need. It’s scary, overwhelming, and emotional—but taking the right steps can make all the difference.
*If you or your loved one need urgent support, find resources for immediate support.
For a full overview of suicide prevention at home, view the Youth and Family Toolkit.
1. Ensure their safety & get help.
If your child is in immediate danger, stay with them and remove any potential means of self-harm, such as medications, sharp objects, or firearms. Creating a safe space can prevent impulsive actions and give you time to seek professional support.
If your child expresses suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room if they are in immediate danger.
2. Ask directly & listen openly.
It’s a common myth that talking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s mind—it won’t. In fact, it might be a relief for them to have a channel to talk about it if it has been weighing on them. Asking your child directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking about ending your life?” can open the door for an honest conversation and help them feel less alone. It also shows that you are ready to listen without judgment.
Your child may not need advice right away, but they do need to feel heard. Avoid minimizing their feelings or rushing to “fix” things. Instead, acknowledge their pain and let them know you are there for them no matter what.
3. Be honest, ensure they know you’re here to support, and know your limits.
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. Let your child know you are in this together and that they are not alone. Avoid making unrealistic promises, but reassure them that you will do everything you can to help.
Supporting a loved one through a mental health crisis can be overwhelming. Recognize that it may be time to bring in professionals, such as therapists, crisis counselors, or medical teams, who can provide the level of care your child needs.
4. Develop a safety plan in partnership with your child.
Work with your child and a mental health professional to create a personalized safety plan. This should include identifying warning signs, outlining coping strategies, listing emergency contacts, and determining safe spaces.
Having a plan in place empowers your child and your family, offering a clear course of action in future crises. Revisit and adjust the plan as needed to ensure it remains relevant.
5. Coordinate with schools & relevant community allies.
Staying in contact with schools during and after a crisis can help offer context, ensure appropriate safety protocols are in place, reduce misinformation and rumors, and provide valuable support during transitions. Some schools may provide accommodations like reduced workloads, flexible attendance policies, or regular check-ins with a counselor.
6. Create a long-term plan with your child.
Healing takes time, and there’s no quick fix. Instead of expecting everything to return to “normal” right away, sit down with your child and talk about what ongoing support looks like for them. Maybe that means regular therapy, making time for self-care, or setting small, manageable goals to work toward.
Let them take the lead in shaping this plan so they feel a sense of control over their recovery. And most importantly, remind them that no matter how long it takes, you’ll be there for them every step of the way.
7. Take care of yourself too.
Supporting a child in crisis can be emotionally draining. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup—seek support for yourself through counseling, peer groups, or trusted friends.
Taking care of your own mental health will allow you to be a stronger source of support for your child.
Suicidal crises require immediate attention, but recovery is possible with the right steps and support. The most important thing is to be present, listen, and take action. You are not alone—help is available.
Access the complete Youth & Family Toolkit.
