How Do I Talk to My Child About Suicide?
Suicide is a topic that is extremely difficult to approach with a child of any age. When a child asks about suicide due to something on TV or hearing about it at school, this is troubling. When your child is the one experiencing suicidal thoughts, that is even more difficult. There is no easy way […]
Suicide is a topic that is extremely difficult to approach with a child of any age. When a child asks about suicide due to something on TV or hearing about it at school, this is troubling. When your child is the one experiencing suicidal thoughts, that is even more difficult. There is no easy way to bring up the subject of suicide with your child, but there are some helpful strategies that can help them understand.
What Is Suicide?
Some children may need clarification about what exactly suicide is. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) carries the definition that says, “Suicide is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, and they die as a result. A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die.” The NIMH also clarifies that terms such as “committed suicide,” “successful suicide,” and “failed suicide” are harmful in their intent. “Committed” suggests committed a crime. “Successful” suggests suicide in any form is positive. “Failed” suggests that the person has yet again failed. Avoiding this language with your child will prove useful, so they do not repeat harmful language to others.Who Is at Risk for Suicide?
Some children may not understand why anyone would attempt to harm themselves, and that is okay. They may ask who is at risk in different ways, but ultimately they are wondering what could lead a person to harm themselves. Those at risk for suicide include:- Those with a history of suicide or who have attempted before
- Those with substance abuse issues
- Those with chronic pain
- Those with anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders
- Those who have suffered domestic violence, trauma, physical abuse, or sexual abuse
- Those who have recently been incarcerated and released
- Those with firearms in the home
- Those with exposure to other suicidal behaviors, such as a family member or close friend
