If you are looking for recommendations for suicidal teens, you’ve come to the right place. The Ridge RTC works with teenagers who have mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. We understand the underlying problems that can cause teens to feel like there’s no way out. Teenage suicidal thoughts are a very serious issue, and early intervention can save lives.

In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death in teens and young adults. But there is hope and help available. With the right support, teens do recover. Let’s take a look at how to help a teen dealing with suicidal ideation.

Recognizing Suicidal Warning Signs

There are a few suicidal warning signs for teens you should be aware of. The following warning signs include:

• Continual feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Expressing thoughts of suicide either verbally or in writing in a journal, text, note, etc.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or changing friend groups
• Intense mood swings
• Losing passion for hobbies or sports
• Engaging in risk-taking behavior, such as drinking, driving too fast, or shoplifting
• Giving away personal possessions

How to Support a Suicidal Teen

If your teen has threatened suicide or mentioned that they’d rather die in their journal, they need to be taken seriously. When teens talk about suicide, it is a cry for help, and you should listen and support them. Let your teen share everything that is going on with them on the inside, and listen without judgment.

Create a Safe Space 

It’s also important to acknowledge their pain rather than trying to dismiss or minimize it. A good way to encourage your teen to open up and discuss these sensitive issues with you is to create a safe space for them to do so. For example, you could set aside a few minutes every evening for your teen to open up and share what’s going on in their world. Choose a quiet spot in the home, away from the rest of the family, where the two of you can have a private discussion.

Remove Weapons

Remember to remove any items or weapons that could be used to inflict harm and try to keep them close and, in the home, until you can get them some help.

Professional Support and Treatment Options for Teenage Suicidal Thoughts

Some professional treatment options include:

• Crisis Hotlines for emergency help: If it’s an emergency, you can call the 988 Lifeline. There is also a Crisis Text Line where teens can text “HOME” to 741741.
• Counseling and therapy: For long-term support, consider therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based therapy.
• Resident treatment: The Ridge RTC offers residential treatment for suicidal teens that provides a safe and structured environment for healing, where we can get to the root cause of suicidal thoughts.
• Medications: In some cases, medical interventions can be beneficial for treating psychiatric conditions.

Coping Strategies for Teens in Crisis

Some healthy coping skills include:

• Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and grounding techniques
• Getting outside into nature
• Engaging in healthy hobbies such as art, music, journaling, exercise, or yoga
• Creating a self-care plan and daily routine to help regulate difficult emotions
• Working with trusted adults, like parents, counselors, or teachers, to create a safety plan when necessary

Supporting Parents and Caregivers

Caring for a teenager with mental health or suicidal tendencies can take an emotional toll on a parent, and it’s always good to maintain a self-care routine for yourself. You can set boundaries with your teen and work on stress management and mindfulness. For example, you could try waking up earlier than everyone else and spending thirty minutes a day writing in a journal or practicing deep breathing. There are also many different support groups, both in person and online, where you can connect with other parents who are facing some of the same issues.

The Ridge RTC Knows How To Help A Teen Dealing With Suicide

Recognizing the warning signs of a suicidal teen and seeking immediate support can be life-saving. With the right treatment, a solid support system, and healthy coping strategies, recovery is possible.

Contact The Ridge RTC if you’re a parent or caregiver of a struggling teen to learn how we can support your family.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.