Mental health is just as important as your physical health, yet many kids and teens between the ages of 10—17 may struggle to understand their emotions and feelings, how to deal with stress, or know how to ask for help. It’s natural to have questions—whether you’re experiencing difficult feelings yourself or concerned about a friend.
This resource guide is designed to answer some of the most common questions that children and teens have about mental health and suicide, helping to break the silence and encourage open conversations. Parents and caregivers can also use this resource to better understand and learn how to support you during these challenging times. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, talk to someone, and know that you’re not alone when you’re feeling stressed, sad, or any other emotion.
Forefront Suicide Prevention and the HIRPC put these Frequently Asked Questions together with input from subject-matter experts, staff on Forefront’s school-based programming team, Forefront’s youth intern, and from a variety of our favorite resources about suicide prevention and having tough conversations. PLEASE NOTE: This website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
It’s okay not to be okay, and it’s okay to talk about suicide. In fact, talking about how we feel and asking for help is a protective factor. Here’s a few things you can do to take action:
Suicide isn’t always about wanting to die. People who are considering suicide often feel deeply alone and like a burden to those around them. They might also feel like they have a problem or emotion that is so big there is no way to solve it. Together, these feelings of hopelessness can lead people to conclude that the way to end their suffering is to die.
Warning signs are clues that someone could be at risk for suicide. We can think of them as things that people are talking about or changes in their behavior or mood.
Watch for changes in behavior or mood, like:
Not everyone shows signs or talks about the pain they are in, and not all warning signs are cause for concern.
Be concerned, if:
Show this person you care and start a conversation. How you do that will depend on your relationship and how receptive they are to opening up and being supported.
Mental Health is Health suggests:
*If you are still not sure how to start the conversation, two of our favorite resources are here at Better off Said and Seize the Awkward.
**If you don’t feel prepared to bring it up with them directly, be sure to let a trusted adult know about your concerns. You can also talk/text through a situation with TeenLink or the Crisis Text Line.
***If you are worried about suicide, see the next question.
People who talk about suicide / wanting to die are in pain and often feel very alone. You don’t have to understand their exact situation, but the first part of helping is giving them space to share.
Use Forefront’s LEARN steps:
Remember, your role is to be a good friend, someone who is there to support and not there to fix everything. There is only so much you can do to help, and someone else’s actions are never your fault.
When you are struggling, what you are going through is Better Off Said. The fear of how your friends or parents might react can keep you from telling them how you’re feeling. But reaching out is how you can get the support you want or need.
Remember, your role is to be a good friend, someone who is there to support and not there to fix everything. There is only so much you can do to help, and someone else’s actions are never your fault.
Ask for help whenever you need it – you might turn to a trusted adult or call/text/chat with any of the resources below and/or listed in the “resources” tab. It’s okay to get support for yourself, to set boundaries, and to ask for others to step into a situation that feels too big.
These services are there to support folks in crisis and the people around them –
It’s important to remember that Mental health is Health; your experiences with your mental health are valid.
Remember, there are so many supports out there – from crisis lines that can help you in a moment of need, to referral services to help link you to care, and even a new Psychiatric Urgent care in WA State. You don’t have to do this alone, even if you feel no-one in your family will get it.
This is a painful and especially difficult loss. All your feelings are valid, and it is important to get support.
The Dougy Center is one of our favorite experts on grief, they recommend “10 things to try when the grief tide rolls in.”
Check out the Journey of Grief with Charlene Ray on Coping 101.
For Teens
For Families/Parents/Caregivers
Suicide Specific Care in WA State
Talking about suicide//Resources to share with YOUTH:
For the inaugural National Injury Prevention Day, the HIPRC and UW Forefront Suicide Prevention worked together to “shine a light” on ways to prevent youth suicide and helped promote the importance of safe storage.
This partnership, together with the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, was part of the inaugural National Injury Prevention Day on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Hospitals and trauma centers across the U.S. will be bathed in green light to “Shine a Light” on opportunities to prevent serious childhood injury. Harborview Medical Center’s Tower roof and 9th Ave entrance was illuminated in green that day.
The HIPRC partnered with Forefront Suicide Prevention to share a digital suicide prevention and safe storage toolkit. The toolkit included videos, information, and resources on suicide prevention and safe storage. Please click on each of the resources below for access to the digital toolkit.
Please note, this content was last updated January 2021. Updated resources and information can be found under the other tabs on this webpage.
Safely & securely storing medicines, firearms, and other dangerous items is an effective way to keep you & your family safe.
More than 1,000 Washington residents die by suicide every year- this guide shows how suicide can be prevented.
The Forefront ‘Suicide Prevention Safety Steps’ can help families reduce chances of suicide by following these five steps.
The Forefront ‘Parent and Family Guide’ is designed to help parents, primary caregivers, and families understand important things about depression and anxiety
To help those in crisis and considering suicide, we recommend using Forefront’s ‘LEARN Saves Lives’ tips. Most suicides are preventable. Together, we can save lives.
Videos from Forefront include information about suicide prevention, mental illnesses, and building connection for those touched by anxiety, depression, and suicide.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people 10 to 24 years of age, following unintentional injuries. There are many practical, effective interventions parents and others can undertake to decrease the risk of a child attempting or dying by suicide.
Learn more about Suicide Prevention >>
This website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. No physician-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Neither HIPRC, the University of Washington, nor its employees, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
