For a teen, suicidal ideation can mean a number of things, from an underlying mental health condition to a very real intent of self-harm. And considering that >20% of teens have seriously considered suicide, it’s not something that should be taken lightly by parents or other caregivers. 

At Paradigm, we provide supportive residential care for teens who struggle with a wide range of mental and/or behavioral disorders, including suicidal ideation. Below, we’re breaking down the key warning signs of teen suicide ideation that parents need to know about, as well as need-to-know tips for how to help suicidal teens and prevent ideation from turning into action. 

Understanding Teen Suicide Ideation

Suicidal ideation is another way of saying suicidal thoughts, or thinking about wanting to die. These can be thoughts about dying by suicide or dying by other means. 

When a teen thinks about suicide, it doesn’t always mean they actually want to die. In many cases, suicidal ideation is instead a sign of an unmanaged mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. It can also be situational, spurred on by emotional or environmental triggers such as bullying or family dysfunction. That being said, suicidal ideation can absolutely be a precursor to suicidal behaviors, and should be treated like the severe threat that it is. 

According to recent CDC data, female students and LGBTQ+ students are >most at risk of serious suicidal thoughts, with further distinctions based on race and ethnicity. 

Signs of Suicidal Ideation in Teens

Many teens who are thinking about suicide won’t come right out and say it. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t signs. Common warning signs that a teen is having suicidal ideations include:

• Persistent hopelessness or sadness
• Expressing thoughts of death or self-harm
• Withdrawing from social activities and loved ones
• Abrupt changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Risky or self-destructive behaviors

It’s worth noting that these signs can also indicate many other mental health concerns. Take action sooner rather than later to figure out what’s going on and get your child the help they need. 

How to Help Suicidal Teens

As the parent or caregiver of a teen, you have an important role to play in ensuring your child gets sufficient help for suicidal thoughts. To do it, though, you need to know what’s available, as well as the things you can start doing right away to mitigate harmful thoughts or behaviors. 

Open communication is key when it comes to how to help suicidal teens. Encourage honest conversation and active listening at home, and foster a safe and supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable opening up about disturbing thoughts they may be having. You should also be sure to limit access to harmful objects, including dangerous items and substances. 

In terms of professional treatment, connect with a therapist or psychiatrist for a full mental health evaluation, then decide from there what comes next. Options for treating suicidal ideation include individual therapy, group counseling, and residential treatment programs. 

Professional Teen Suicide Ideation Treatment: Know Your Options

What kind of teen suicide ideation treatment you pursue depends on the severity of symptoms and the potential reason behind them. 

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two evidence-based therapeutic modalities for the treatment of suicidal thoughts, and are used to help teens develop and strengthen essential coping skills. 
• Medication Management: When appropriate, medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers can be an effective means of treating suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 
• Family Therapy: Therapist-guided family counseling can be instrumental in improving communication and support at home, and by extension, reducing triggers to suicidal ideations. 
• Residential Programs: Teen residential treatment centers provide intensive care and monitoring in a supportive, home-like environment, with on-site services that usually include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, among others. 

Help for Teen Suicidal Ideation

Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation in teens is the first step. The next is seeking a timely intervention to prevent worsening thoughts or suicide attempts. Because while 20% of teens may think about suicide, nearly 10% will attempt it. 

Professional treatment is highly recommended for teens with suicidal thoughts, with various levels of care depending on your child’s needs, environment, and potential co-occurring mental health conditions. Residential care at Paradigm Treatment is intended to treat a wide range of conditions with or without suicidal ideation, and can be a key step in not only treating suicidal ideation in the moment but also preventing it from occurring again in the future. 

We are proud to be a trusted resource for families across the U.S., and we can work with you as needed to ensure your child gets the help they need for a bright and happy future. Please explore our website to learn more about suicidal ideation in adolescents, and contact us today to discuss options for treating teen suicidal thoughts, including specialized residential care.