Suicide and Crisis Resources – for Immediate Help:
- Call 9-1-1 for an immediate emergency / if someone is in immediate danger.
- Call, text, or chat 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for 24/7/365 support from trained counselors. You can visit their website at 988lifeline.org. Wait times are typically under a minute.
- In Connecticut, call 211 and press 1 to be connected with local mental/behavioral health crisis support, including youth and adult mobile crisis teams who can send trained mental health professionals to your home, school, or community location. You can also search the 211 website at www.211ct.org. You can call 211 24/7/365.
- Unsure if your situation is considered a “crisis”? If it feels like a mental/behavioral health crisis to you, it’s a crisis to these services. You do not need to wait until someone is in imminent danger to call for crisis support.
Facts About Suicide in Children and Teens
Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP):
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 15-24 in the U.S. The majority of children and adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder, usually depression.
Among younger children, suicide attempts are often impulsive. They may be associated with feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, or problems with attention and hyperactivity.
Among teenagers, suicide attempts may be associated with feelings of stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, disappointment, and loss. For some teens, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems.
Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental health conditions. The child or adolescent needs to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed, and appropriately treated with a comprehensive treatment plan.
People often feel uncomfortable talking about suicide. However, asking your child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than putting thoughts in your child’s head, research has shown that these questions can provide assurance that somebody cares and will give your child the chance to talk about problems – and give you the opportunity to get them the help they need to feel better.
Parents, teachers, and friends should always err on the side of caution and safety. Any child or adolescent with suicidal thoughts or plans should be evaluated immediately by a trained and qualified mental health professional.
Learn about the risk factors and warning signs for child and teen suicide at the AACAP website, below: