Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Children

Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Children Depression Childhood Depression Print Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Children How to Know and What to Do If Your Child Has Suicidal Thoughts By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 20, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 16, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids McCarthy / Stringer / Getty Images Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. While many people think of depression as an adult condition, roughly 3% of children experience depression as well.?? If that isnt heartbreaking enough on its own, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of killing oneself can accompany depressionâ€"even in children. How can you know if your child is having suicidal thoughts and what can you do? How to Tell If Your Child Is Having Suicidal Thoughts Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, may not always be completely obvious to others, not even to a childs parents. Part of the reason for that is that children with suicidal thoughts will probably not speak directly about them as an adult might. Instead, suicidal thoughts in children may manifest through an interest in and/or preoccupation with suicide or death. You may notice signs of this preoccupation in your childs  clothing, the shows they watch on television, the websites they visit on the computer, through what they write in journals or even on homework, or in the way in which they identify with others who are depressed or have spoken of suicide. On the other hand, sometimes a child will speak  directly about wanting to die or a wish to kill themselves.?? They might even speak indirectly about wanting to make it all go away or thinking the world would be a better place without me. Often, there are few signs of suicidal thoughts in children, especially in children who are more shy or withdrawn. If this is the case with your child, how can you know as a parent if they are having suicidal thoughts? A key may be recognizing the signs of childhood depression, knowing that suicidal thoughts and depression can go hand in hand.?? Depression in Children Is a Risk for Suicidal Thoughts If your child hasnt openly expressed any suicidal thoughts, its important to recognize the possible symptoms of childhood depression, since these are often associated with suicidal thoughts. This may include feelings such as worthlessness, hopelessness, and social withdrawal. Suicidal thoughts do not always lead to a suicide attempt, but such thoughts are believed to increase a childs risk.?? While not all children who are depressed have suicidal thoughts (its more common in children with early-onset depression and a longer duration of symptoms), depression is considered a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and attempts. Suicide is one of the scary consequences of untreated depression in children, but depression in children can be devastating in other ways as well. What You Should Know About Childhood Depression What to Do If Your Child Is Having Suicidal Thoughts A childs depressed or suicidal thoughts may not always be obvious, which is why seeking treatment for your childs depression is important. A trained mental health professional may be able to pick up on subtle cues of suicidal thoughts by talking to your child, conducting psychological tests, and assessing individual risk factors, such as previous suicide attempts and the severity of your childs depression. Additionally, therapeutic treatment for depression can help to decrease your childs suicidal thoughts if they are having them. If your doctor suggests medication, such as an antidepressant, do your homework. Although generally safe and effective, research has indicated that the use of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can  increase  suicidal ideation in some children and adolescents.?? The most effective way to manage a childs depression usually involves close monitoring by doctors and mental health professionals and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Tips on Communicating With Your Child If you decide to talk about  depression  with your child, you may be concerned about saying the right thing. But the truth is that just having an open and honest discussion with your child can provide them with much-needed support.?? With a few tips, concerned parents and caregivers can confidently talk about depression with their children. Keep the Talk Age-Appropriate Make sure that your child understands what you are saying and is not confused or bored by the discussion.Use words that your child can understand. Words such as depression or emotional reaction are probably too complex for a younger child  but may be appropriate for an  older child or adolescent.Try comparing your childs depression to something that your child is already familiar with like a physical illness such as the flu or an ear infection. Keep the Conversation Positive Depression is a serious illness that causes emotional and  physical pain, but try to keep the conversation focused on the positive.By maintaining a positive and hopeful outlook in your discussions, you will avoid unnecessarily alarming your child. Be Honest Dont make promises you cannot keep.Dont go into detail about topics that you are not certain of.Do tell your child what you do know.Make a list of questions to discuss with your childs mental health professional. Be Compassionate Your child needs to know that you recognize and respect their feelings.Even if you do not quite understand their thoughts, dont dismiss their feelings.Avoid comments like What do you have to be depressed about? or Dont be ridiculous.Dismissive comments can cause a child to hide their feelings or become defensive. Be a Good Listener Allow your child to talk openly and express their opinions and thoughts.Avoid interrupting, judging or punishing them for their feelings.Listening demonstrates that they have someone they can confide in help to sort out their feelings. Ask Questions If you are concerned, directly ask your child if they are thinking about suicide. Contrary to what was believed in the past, talking about suicide will not give your child ideas.?? Instead, it can help them recognize the problem and know when and how to ask for help. Parental support (including emotional support, such as listening to your childs worries and comforting them when theyre disappointed or frustrated) is associated with a lower incidence of suicidal thoughts in middle school-age children.?? If there are any safety concerns, do not provide judgment or discipline; simply remove your child from immediate danger, do not leave them alone, and get them immediate help. Never dismiss suicidal thoughts in a child and never promise to keep them a secret.  Any suicidal thoughts or behaviors should be brought to the attention of your childs pediatrician or mental health provider immediately. If needed, bring the child to an emergency room or call an ambulance. A Word From Verywell Suicidal thoughts should always be taken very seriously, and it should never be assumed that your child is only seeking attention. Always seek help and address these thoughts as potential warning signs of suicide. Sometimes children are afraid to express these thoughts and may present them in a joking manner. Suicide is far too common in children, and any thoughts should be addressed. Likewise, if you see a health care provider who doesnt believe your childs suicidal thoughts are serious even though you do, get another opinion. Trust your instincts when it comes to your child. You know them better than anyone. Make sure that your kids know that they can ask for help if they ever think about hurting themselves, including calling the  suicide hotline listed above, calling their doctor, calling 911, or going to a local crisis center or the emergency room. Teen Suicide Warning Signs and Prevention