You notice your child pulling away, spending more time alone, becoming more irritable, or saying things like, “It doesn’t matter,” or “I don’t care anymore.” Maybe they’re not sleeping well, or they’ve lost interest in activities they used to love. Then a worrying thought crosses your mind: Could this be more than just a bad mood? Could it be suicidal thinking?
September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a difficult topic—but one we can’t afford to avoid. And here’s something critical to understand: Talking about suicide does not cause it. In fact, open, supportive conversations are one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent suicide.
“Talking about suicide opens the door for hope and support,” said Dr. Stephen Mandler, Chief Medical and Clinical Officer at Orchard Place. “Parents and caregivers often ask me, ‘What should we be watching for?’ And there are warning signs.”
Common Warning Signs of Suicide in Children and Adolescents:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities
- Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
- Loss of interest in hobbies or schoolwork
- Talking or writing about feeling hopeless, trapped, or being a burden
- Heightened irritability, especially in children who may not express sadness directly
- Preoccupation with death or violence in drawings, music, online activity, or conversation
- Exposure to suicide in peers, relatives, or school communities
“These changes warrant attention—especially when they persist for more than a couple of weeks,” Dr. Mandler emphasized.
Risk Factors That May Increase Vulnerability:
- A history of depression, anxiety, or trauma
- Bullying or peer rejection (in person or online)
- Family conflict, parental separation, or domestic violence
- Substance use or impulsive behaviors
- Family history of suicide or recent loss
- LGBTQ+ identity in the context of unsupported environments
- Limited access to mental health care or trusted adults
“Stigma often keeps children silent,” said Dr. Mandler. “Many worry they’ll be judged, punished, or misunderstood if they admit they’re struggling.”
Creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment is key. Children are more likely to speak up when they know they will be listened to with compassion—not alarm.
Tips for Starting the Conversation:
- Listen more than you speak. Resist the urge to “fix” too quickly.
- Avoid minimizing. Don’t say “You’ll be fine” or “You’re just being dramatic.”
- Check in regularly, even when things seem okay. Prevention begins early.
- Seek early support. Therapy and psychiatric care can be life-saving.
Try using gentle, open-ended questions:
- “I’ve noticed you seem more quiet and tired lately. Can you tell me what’s been going on?”
- “I care about you, and I just want to know how you’re really feeling.”
- “Is there anything I can do to help or support you right now?”
“Early help matters,” said Dr. Mandler. “Evidence consistently shows that timely mental health treatment reduces suicidal ideation and attempts in young people”
Support at Orchard Place:
At Orchard Place, families can access a full continuum of care, from outpatient therapy and psychiatric evaluation to intensive community-based programs and residential services.
Let us help you find the right level of support for your child:
Find Mental & Behavioral Health Services | Orchard Place
In a Crisis:
- Call or text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call 911 – If immediate safety is at risk
