Family Resources

Suicide Prevention

Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents/Guardians

Suicide Risk Factors

Although far from perfect predictors, certain characteristics are associated with increased odd of having suicidal thoughts. These include:

• Mental illness including depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse.
• Family stress/dysfunction.
• Environmental risks, including presence of a firearm in the home.
• Situational crises (e.g., traumatic death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, family violence).

Suicide Warning Signs

Most suicidal youth demonstrate observable behaviors that signal their suicidal thinking. These include:

• Suicidal threats in the form of direct (“I am going to kill myself”) and indirect (“I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up again”) statements.
• Suicide notes and plans (including online postings).
  Prior suicidal behavior.
• Making final arrangements (e.g., making funeral arrangements, writing a will, giving away prized possessions).
  Preoccupation with death.
• Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts and/or feelings.

What to Do

Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognize the warning signs and take immediate action to keep the youth safe. When a youth gives signs that they may be considering suicide, the following actions should be taken:

• Remain calm.
• Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide (e.g., “Are you thinking of suicide?”).
• Focus on your concern for their well-being and avoid being accusatory.
• Listen.
• Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.
• Do not judge.
• Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the youth alone.
  Remove means for self-harm.
• Get help: No one should ever agree to keep a youth’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Parents/Guardians should seek help from the school counselor or community mental health resources as soon as possible.

Crisis Response Center

• https://connectionshs.com/tucson
• (520) 301-2400
• 2802 East District Street, Tucson, AZ 85714
• Open 24/7

General Crisis Lines

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
• National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: 741741
• Crisis Response Center (CRC): 520-622-6000
• Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Teen Line: 1-800-248-TEEN (8336)

Specific Crisis Lines

• National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736
• National Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 422-4453
  • If you can’t talk freely, you can visit thehotline.org or text “LOVEIS” to 22522
• National Sexual Assault (Rape, Abuse, and Incest Network) Hotline: (800) 656-4673
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
  • Visit https://helpingsurvivors.org/