The talk you don’t even want to think about

The talk you don’t even want to think about: A guide for discussing suicide with your child

Talking about suicide with your child can feel overwhelming, frightening, or even impossible. But avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the risk go away. 

What does make an impact? Knowing the warning signs, understanding the facts, and opening the door to honest conversations, long before a crisis hits.

Your child needs to know they’re not alone. And you need the tools to guide them.

Let’s walk through this together.

The facts you need, even if they’re hard to hear

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for kids, teens, and young adults ages 10–24. And yes, even kids younger than 10 can experience suicidal thoughts.

Risk increases when kids are dealing with:

• Mental health challenges
  
  

• Substance or alcohol use
  
  

• Stress or confusion around sexual orientation or gender identity
  
  

• Family history of suicide
  
  

• Bullying or social pressure

These aren’t reasons to panic — they’re reasons to stay informed.

Warning signs your child may be struggling

Kids don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Sometimes the signs show up in their actions long before they open up.

Watch for:

• Intense hopelessness or feeling like they don’t matter
  
  

• Pulling away from friends or activities
  
  

• Sleeping or eating way more — or way less — than usual
  
  

• Losing energy or becoming more irritable or reactive
  
  

• Substance use
  
  

• Difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, or big emotions

If something feels “off,” trust that instinct.

How to support your child, starting today

1. Model healthy emotional expression

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be real. Talk about your own stress and how you cope, whether it’s therapy, taking breaks, journaling, or confiding in a friend. You’re teaching them that asking for help is strength.

2. Keep the conversation open

Make sure your child knows they can come to you — and you can handle it — even when their thoughts feel scary, confusing, or heavy. And if talking to you is too hard, give them alternatives: a family member, teacher, coach, school counselor, or a therapist.

3. Watch their behavior closely

Changes matter. Withdrawal matters. A sudden shift in mood or habits matters. If something feels concerning, gently ask about it, or reach out to a professional for support.

4. Tell them how much they mean to you

Ensure your encouragement, love, and adoration for your child isn’t attached to good deeds or good moods. By telling them how proud you are, how much they matter, they way they make life better for everyone around them just by being here, you’re reinforcing that their life is important. Do it in random, quiet moments when they least expect (or feel they deserve) it.

Note: If your child has talked about suicide or hurting themself or anyone else, don’t wait. Seek help immediately.

• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  
  

• Chat with a trained counselor at 988lifeline.org
  
  

• Visit hellobrightline.com/safety for additional resources
  
  

• If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 911