09/30/2026
🤍Su***de Prevention Month: Let’s Talk About It
Talking to children about su***de can feel frightening. You may wonder, “What if I say the wrong thing?” or “What if talking about su***de puts the idea in their head?”
It doesn’t. Asking directly about su***de does not cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In fact, creating a safe space for honest conversations can help a child feel seen, heard, and supported.
Here are a few ways to begin:
🗣️ Use simple, direct language.
“Sometimes when people feel really sad or overwhelmed, they may think about dying. Have you ever had thoughts like that?”
👂 Listen more than you talk.
Try not to immediately problem-solve, minimize, or reassure with phrases like, “You have so much to be happy about.”
❤️ Take them seriously.
Even if something seems small to an adult, it may feel overwhelming to a child.
🔎 Pay attention to changes.
Withdrawal, significant changes in mood or behavior, giving away possessions, talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden, or expressing a desire to die deserve attention.
🤝 Let them know they don’t have to handle hard feelings alone.
“I’m really glad you told me. We can get through this together.”
And remember: You don’t have to be a mental health professional to start the conversation. You just need to be willing to listen.
If your child tells you they are thinking about su***de, take it seriously. Stay with them, reduce access to lethal means, and seek immediate professional support. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
Sometimes the most important question a child needs to hear is simply:
“Are you hurting? I’m here. You can tell me.”
🤍 Wellness begins with seeking.
***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention
