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Many teens who die by suicide show warning signs ahead of time. But those signs aren’t always easy to spot.
Even when teens won’t admit that they’re struggling, their behavior may show that they need help. These are some of the signs to look for:
Emotional
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
Feeling like a burden or expressing worthlessness
Sudden mood swings or emotional withdrawal
Behavioral
Talking, writing, or posting online about death or suicide
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
Reckless or self-harming behaviors
Withdrawing from friends, school, or activities
A sudden “sense of calm” (if they have been stressed and then seem suddenly peaceful, this can be a sign something is wrong)
Physical
Fatigue, headaches, stomaches
Changes in appetite or sleep
Frequent complaints with no clear medical cause
State of mind
Trouble focusing or making decisions
Expressing feelings of:
Being trapped or desperate
Humiliation or hopelessness
Having no reason to live
Online Behavior
Sometimes teens share signs of emotional struggles online. If you see something that worries you, reach out. A simple, “I saw your post. Are you okay?” can open the door to a life-saving conversation. Keep an eye out for things like:
Posts about hopelessness, loneliness, or saying goodbye
Sharing sad or intense messages or images
Suddenly deleting or changing their accounts
Following or interacting with content about suicide or self-harm
How to talk to teens
Let your teen know that it’s safe to talk to you. Here are some conversation starters:
Start with honesty: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Talking openly about suicide doesn’t cause it. In fact, asking directly can be the first step toward getting help and building trust.
Speak from the heart: “I love you, and I’m really scared of losing you.” Or, Let’s find someone who can help us figure this out together.”
Act early. Don’t wait for things to get worse. Silence doesn’t mean that everything is ok. Reaching out early can make all of the difference.
Where to get help
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7: Call or text 988
Hamilton Psychiatric Emergency Services: 513-584-8577
Clermont County: 513-528-SAVE
Butler County: 1-844-427-4747
Middletown: 513-860-9240
Oxford: 1-844-427-4747
Warren/Clinton Counties: 877-695-6333
Cincinnati Children’s Psychiatric Intake Response Center: 513-636-4124 (Available 24/7 for caregivers and professionals seeking support or referrals)
