From the National Association of School Psychologists
Warning signs
3. Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
4. Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.
5. Get help from your school counselor or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.
In Multnomah County, there are two telephone Crisis Line options: (503) 988-4888
(877) 968-8491
There’s also the Text a Teen program: text “teen2teen” to 839863
- Ask your child if they have heard or seen the series 13 Reasons Why, Blue Whale, or other trending suicide theme online. While we don’t recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts.
- If they exhibit any of the warning signs below, don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.
Warning signs
- Suicide threats, both direct (“I am going to kill myself.” “I need life to stop.”) and indirect (“I need it to stop.” “I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up.”). Threats can be verbal or written, and they are often found in online postings.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, drawing, and social media.
- Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts, and/or feelings. This can include someone who is typically sad who suddenly becomes extremely happy.
- Emotional distress.
3. Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
4. Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.
5. Get help from your school counselor or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.
In Multnomah County, there are two telephone Crisis Line options: (503) 988-4888
(877) 968-8491
There’s also the Text a Teen program: text “teen2teen” to 839863