As a parent, it can be overwhelming and frightening if your child opens up about having suicidal thoughts. It’s important to remember that by calmly addressing this issue, you can offer your child the support they need. In this blog post, we will explore some practical ways to help without panicking, ensuring that your child feels understood and supported during this difficult time.
- Listen and Validate Their Emotions: When your child shares their feelings of despair, listen attentively and empathetically. Validating their emotions will help them feel heard and understood. Let them express themselves openly without interruption, knowing that you are there for them, ready to lend an empathetic ear.
- Remain Calm and Non-Judgmental: Keeping a calm demeaning is crucial when discussing such sensitive issues. Remind yourself that your child’s honest is a sign of trust and an opportunity to support them. Avoid jumping to conclusions, blaming, or criticizing. Instead, create a safe and non-judgemental environment where they can freely express their fears and concerns.
- Avoid Making Promises You Can’t Keep: While it’s natural to want to reassure your child, it’s important not to offer promises you may not be able to fulfill. It’s better to focus on the present moment and ensure your child knows they are not alone, emphasizing that together, you will explore and find the necessary help and support.
- Encourage Open Communication: Reassure your child that you are there for them, ready to support them unconditionally. Encourage ongoing open communication about thier thoughts and feelings. Emphasize the importance of sharing their emotions with a trusted adult, such as a friend’s parent, teacher, counselor, or mental health professional.
- Seek Professional Help: While it’s essential to offer your support, it’s equally important to involve professionals who can provide the necessary expertise. Seek guidance from a mental health professional who can assess and address your child’s individual situation.
They may suggest therapy, counseling, or other appropriate interventions based on your child’s needs. - Create a Safety Plan: Collaborate with professionals to create a safety plan tailored to your child’s specific situation. This plan may include trusted emergency contacts, coping strategies, and steps to take in case of an immediate crisis. Share this plan with all involved individuals, emphasizing the importance of everyone’s commitment to your child’s safety and well-being.
Addressing your child’s suicidal thoughts may be daunting, but remember that your support can be a lifeline in their time of need. By focusing on active listening, empathy, and involving professionals, you can provide the necessary support and help your child navigate through these challenging emotions. Remain calm, stay connected, and reassure your child that their well-being is a priority.
Recommended Reading with your little ones: “Holdin Pott” By: Chandra Ghosh Ippen or “The Little Spot of: Anger, Anxiety, Sadness” etc book series
Recommended Watching with your little ones: How To Train Your Dragon Series
Resources:
www.cdc.gov
www.nami.org
www.save.org
www.thetrevorproject.org
www.988lifeline.org
www.aacap.org
www.aap.org
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