Suicidal Ideation

Signs and Symptoms

A child at risk for suicide typically shows the signs and symptoms of depression.

Typical signs and symptoms include:

• Change in eating and sleeping habits
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
• Violent or rebellious behavior
• Running away
• Excessive drug and alcohol use
• Neglect of their personal appearance
• Change in their normal personality
• Persistent boredom
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decline in the quality of schoolwork
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Not accepting of praise or rewards

In addition, a child who is planning suicide may:

• Complain that they are a bad person or feels rotten inside
• Begin to give verbal hints of committing suicide by saying things like:
  • I won't be a problem for you much longer
  • Nothing matters
  • It's no use
  • I won't see you again
  • Put their affairs in order (for example, give away favorite possessions, clean their room, or throw away important belongings)
  • Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
  • Show signs of psychosis

If your child is at risk, the first step is to obtain an emergency evaluation by calling 988 or 911 (or whatever we say to do in emergencies) and work with the mental health specialist to develop a safety plan. Once the threat of suicide is reduced, the next phase of treatment focuses on addressing any underlying mental illness. Children can return to a healthy life after having suicidal thoughts. The support and encouragement from family members and professionals is critical to recovery.